No Muslim in Bharat?” Bhagwat Says, “He Will Not Remain Hindu”

New Delhi, August 30, 2026 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stressed the importance of coexistence, equality and respect for every community, reiterating that India’s social fabric cannot be built by excluding any section of society. Speaking about his views on Hinduism and the idea of a Hindu Rashtra, Bhagwat underlined that diversity and differences are part of society, but the fundamental reality is that people are one. Recalling a lecture he delivered in Delhi in 2018, Bhagwat said Muslim participants had asked him what the concept of Hindu Rashtra meant for them, given that the RSS is a Hindu organisation. Responding to the question, he said, “I said, no, that is not Hindu. If any Hindu thinks that there should be no Muslim in Bharat, he will not remain Hindu.” Bhagwat further explained his understanding of Hindu thought by emphasising the acceptance of different spiritual paths and the dignity of every individual. He said, “If you want to follow... yourself... Hindu you must believe that all paths are leading to the same...” He also stressed that there is no fundamental distinction among human beings and referred to the principle of viewing people equally, including a learned Brahmin and others. According to Bhagwat, differences exist as part of the diversity of nature, but they should not obscure the deeper reality of unity. He described such distinctions as temporary “illusions” that emerge and eventually disappear, while the underlying oneness remains. Concluding his remarks, Bhagwat said, “I did not teach you, you know this and actually you are teaching this to the world so as a student I just presented before you that I remember some things you teach.”