Dattatreya Hosabale says that when a particular community is called a minority, it creates divisions in society.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. (File Photo)

By Deeptiman Tiwary

There is a need for a rethink on the concept of minorities as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said on Sunday.

Responding to a question on whom the Sangh considers as minorities when it says it is trying to engage with them, Hosabale suggested that when a particular community is called a minority, it creates divisions in society. He was speaking to the press on the last day of the RSS’s Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) baithak in Nagpur.

“A rethink is required over the concept of minorities as enshrined in the Constitution. Who does the country belong to? It belongs to everyone. But a tradition of calling (some communities) minorities has taken shape for the past many decades. Sangh has always opposed minority politics,” he said.

“Communities which operate under the Hindu code Bill, the Sangh organises them. Generally, there is an understanding of Muslims and Christians being the minorities. All Sangh chiefs have tried to maintain communication with them. A lot of RSS workers also come from these communities. We do not exhibit them as showpieces. It is not necessary. We consider everyone Hindu through their nationality. Those who do not subscribe to this because of their religion are engaged in dialogue. Our doors are open for anyone who wants to talk to us,” he added.

On the Gyanvapi controversy, Hosabale suggested the Sangh was not pushing for a public movement on the lines of Ram Temple movement.

This story was originally published in indianexpress.com. Read the full story here.