New Delhi : Taking a jibe at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) over his Viajayadashmi speech, wherein he emphasised social and cultural harmony, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal asked who is listening to his remarks.
During his Viajayadashmi speech on Saturday, Bhagwat noted that the first condition for a healthy and able society is social harmony and mutual goodwill among different sections of society. He further said that this task can be accomplished not by merely organizing some symbolic programmes but by taking initiative at personal and family level to develop amity.
Taking to X, the former Union Minister said, "Mohan BhagwatMessage on Vijayadashmi. All festivals should be celebrated together.. have friends among all kinds of people...language can be diverse, cultures can be diverse, food can be diverse but friendship ..will bring them together. Who is listening? Modi? Others?"
Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised Bhagwat's remarks stating that RSS "supports the party which wants disunity in the country". Bhagwat said India's national life stands on the strong foundation of cultural unity and the country's social life is inspired and nurtured by noble values.
The RSS Chief referred to the threats posed by the "Deep State," "Wokeism" and "Cultural Marxists" to cultural traditions stating that the destruction of values and traditions is a part of the modus operandi of this group. He highlighted that the first step of such groups is to capture the institutions of the society.
"Words like 'Deep State', 'Wokeism', 'Cultural Marxist' are in discussion these days. In fact, they are the declared enemies of all cultural traditions. Complete destruction of values, traditions and whatever is considered virtuous and auspicious is a part of the modus operandi of this group. The first step of this modus operandi is to bring the mind-shaping systems and institutions of the society under one's influence - for example, the education system and educational institutions, media, intellectual discourse, etc., and to destroy the thoughts, values and belief of the society through them," Bhagwat said.
The RSS chief also called for unity among Hindus citing the example of Bangladesh where he said that for the first time, Hindus united and came out on roads for their protection. He noted that till this radical nature of committing atrocities out of anger prevails - not only Hindus, but all minorities will be in danger.
"What happened in our neighbouring Bangladesh? It might have some immediate reasons but those who are concerned will discuss it. But, due to that chaos, the tradition of committing atrocities against Hindus was repeated there. For the first time, Hindus united and came on roads for their protection.
But, by the time this radical nature of committing atrocities out of anger is there - not only Hindus, but all minorities will be in danger. They need help from the Hindus from the entire world. It's their need that the government of India help them... Being weak is a crime. If we are weak, we are inviting atrocity. Wherever we are, we need to be united and empowered," Bhagwat said.