By Huneza Khan
Bhopal: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat stated in a lecture in December 2024, “Extremism, aggressiveness, forcefulness, and insulting other gods are not in our country’s nature and are unacceptable.” In another speech, he asked, “Where is Islam safe other than India?”
Unlike the usual rhetoric of Hindutva groups, Bhagwat’s recent statements have called for peace – or at least they refrained from outright demonising Muslims. However, the gap between rhetoric and reality grows starker as Hindutva strengthens its hold on the socio-political fabric of India, including “Shanti ka tapoo” Madhya Pradesh.
While Bhagwat’s words project an image of inclusivity, Hindutva leaders on the ground still continue to push majoritarian narratives.
Speaking to The Wire, BJP MLA Vishnu Khatri said that Mohan Bhagwat is a responsible leader who speaks with great caution. For years, Hindu society has ensured the safety of others because only Hinduism upholds ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family). Would India still be democratic if Muslims made up 70-80% of the population?
“Muslims must also reflect on their position. They always seem to be fighting for existence, often claiming to be treated as second-class citizens or oppressed. A Pakistani player mentioned his grandfather was a Hindu from Amritsar. People feel offended if someone else says the same thing. Everyone wants excessive rights and fights for them. Look at Pakistan, which was created through struggle – see its condition today. A large section of those who demanded a separate country – remained here, yet India has maintained social harmony. Those who promote ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Meem’ must understand that the constitution and rule of law exist in this country only because Hinduism is the majority,” Khatri said.
The contradiction between Bhagwat’s speech and Hindutva groups’ actions is stark. And nowhere is this more visible than in the streets of Madhya Pradesh, where processions and rallies have increasingly turned into sites of violence.
This story was originally published in thewire.in. Read the full story here.
