Why Mallikarjun Kharge Said BJP is Ignoring RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Advice

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, during an address at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan on Sunday, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of disregarding the advice of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat. He alleged that the BJP's actions, particularly its efforts to survey mosques across the country, are divisive and contradictory to Bhagwat's earlier statements.

Kharge claimed that BJP’s top leadership is attempting to create societal divisions by pushing for these surveys. "By conducting such surveys, the BJP is ignoring the advice of the RSS chief," he said, pointing to Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks made in June 2022. Bhagwat had cautioned against unnecessary controversies surrounding religious sites, stating, "Why see Shivling in every mosque?"

Questioning Modi and Shah’s Stance

The Congress President directly questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting they are not heeding the guidance of the RSS. He asked whether the duo was truly aligned with the ideological direction set by Bhagwat. 

“Are Modi and Shah even listening to the RSS chief?” Kharge asked, emphasizing the potential discord between the ruling party and its ideological parent.

Will BJP also target historical monuments, asks Kharge 

Kharge also criticized the BJP's narrative surrounding historical religious structures. He referenced the Supreme Court's recent decision, which, according to him, has emboldened right-wing activists to demand surveys of various mosques, claiming they were built on temple sites. "They want surveys everywhere. People are now asserting that temples exist within mosques, and many such demands are emerging," Kharge said.

He further raised concerns about the implications of such claims. "Will BJP also target historical monuments like the Red Fort, Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, or Char Minar, which were constructed by Muslims?" Kharge questioned.

Reference to Bhagwat’s 2022 Statement

Kharge reiterated Bhagwat’s 2022 remarks to highlight the ideological divide. In June 2022, Bhagwat had remarked, "We have some beliefs about Gyanvapi, which have been passed down through tradition. It is fine to continue with those beliefs. But why should we see Shivling in every mosque?" This statement was widely interpreted as a call for restraint in disputes over religious sites, contrasting sharply with the BJP’s current approach.

(Prakash Kumar Pandey)