Mohan Bhagwat Says Muslims and Christians Welcome in RSS, But “As Sons of Bharat Mata”

New Delhi | November 9, 2025 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday that people from all religions - including Muslims and Christians are welcome to join the Sangh, provided they see themselves as part of one united Hindu society and not as separate religious groups. Speaking at an event titled “100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons” in Bengaluru, Bhagwat explained that the RSS does not ask for anyone’s caste or religion in its gatherings, called shakhas. “Muslims come to Shakha, Christians come to Shakha, as do others from the Hindu community. We don’t count who they are. We are all sons of Bharat Mata - that is what matters,” he said. Clarifying his earlier remarks, Bhagwat said that while the RSS identifies itself as a Hindu organisation, its focus is on cultural unity rather than religious identity. “Anyone can join the Sangh as long as they come as children of Bharat Mata,” he added. He also addressed other issues, including allegations about the RSS’s registration and its relationship with politics. “We were founded in 1925 — do you expect us to have registered with the British? We are recognised as a body of individuals by the Income Tax department and the courts,” Bhagwat said, rejecting accusations about transparency. On political neutrality, Bhagwat maintained that the RSS does not take part in elections or support any specific party. “Politics divides society; the Sangh’s work is to unite it,” he stated. The RSS chief also commented on India’s relationship with Pakistan, saying peace could only come if Pakistan stopped its hostile actions. “If it continues harming Bharat, it will face consequences — as it did in 1971,” he warned. Bhagwat further touched upon social issues, saying casteism as a practice is gone but “caste confusion” remains due to political interests. “We don’t need to erase caste; we need to forget it,” he remarked. Responding to questions about “love jihad,” Bhagwat urged Hindus to focus on strengthening values within their own families instead of being consumed by external narratives. Concluding his address, Bhagwat said the Sangh’s mission remains rooted in unity and national pride. “The saffron flag is our Guru, and the tricolour is our national pride. We honour and protect both,” he said. The event highlighted the RSS’s continued emphasis on cultural nationalism, while Bhagwat’s comments sought to project an inclusive yet ideologically firm stance as the organisation marks a century of existence. Mohan Bhagwat Says Muslims and Christians Welcome in RSS, But “As Sons of Bharat Mata” RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that followers of all religions, including Muslims and Christians, are welcome to be part of the RSS — as long as they join with the spirit of being “sons of Bharat Mata.” Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, he explained that the Sangh’s goal is unity, not division, and that cultural identity should come before religious separation. Bhagwat clarified that the RSS does not ask anyone’s caste or religion in its daily shakhas. He said that people from all communities already attend and that the Sangh’s work focuses on building a united Indian society rooted in shared values. He also dismissed claims about RSS’s registration or political involvement, saying it’s a recognised organisation that stays away from election politics. Bhagwat added that peace with Pakistan depends on its willingness to stop hostility toward India, and that the RSS respects both the tricolour and saffron flags equally. His comments aimed to show that the RSS is open to everyone who believes in India’s unity and cultural pride.