What RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on selection of BJP President by RSS, retirement from politics at age 75

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that it is completely wrong that the Sangh decides everything for BJP.

Addressing a question-answer session on the concluding day of the three-day lecture series and interaction on ‘100 years’ Journey of RSS : New Horizons’ in Delhi, Bhagwat said, "We only give advice and the government works. But the decision is theirs."

When asked whether the Sangh interferes in the selection of the BJP's national president, he said, "We do not decide...if we did, would it take so much time? We do not have to decide...you take your time...we will not say anything."

On the opposition of some parties to RSS, Bhagwat said, "We have seen change happening. In 1948, Jai Prakash Babu went to burn the office of the Sangh with a burning torch in his hand... Later during the emergency, he said that the hope for change is from you people only." 

Referring to former President APJ Abdul Kalam to Pranab Mukherjee, he said that 'they came to the Sangh's event, they did not change their opinion but the misunderstandings about the Sangh were removed.'

Bhagwat dismisses reports of rift with BJP

 Mohan Bhagwat discounted speculation about any rift with the BJP saying there may be difference of opinion but there is ''no quarrel.'' He said RSS and the BJP can differ in opinion, but their objectives are in sync.

Retirement from politics at the age of 75 years

To a question on retirement from politics at the age of 75 years he said he never advocated retirement at 75 years nor did he ever say anybody should retire. "I never said I will retire or someone should retire. In Sangh we are given a job to do. If I am 80 years old, and Sangh says go and run a 'shakha,' I will have to do it.’’

Advocates three children in a family

Advocating three children in a family, he said it is generally suggested for a family to have three children. Three children in a family will teach them to manage their ego. However, one should be able to manage resources for three children, he added.

He stressed the need for emphasis on India’s ancient culture in education and bringing of Gurukul practices closer to modern mainstream education system. He hoped that this would be done in the New Education Policy (NEP). ‘’I have heard this is happening.’’he added.

He said use of technology in education system could not be avoided. However, one has to learn to master technology and technology should not be allowed to master an individual. He also stressed the need for every child to learn Sanskrit language.

Change in demography is worrying

On the question of illegal immigration the RSS Chief said the change in demography is worrying. There is no harm in coming legally but illegal immigration should be stopped. Intentions behind coming in illegally should be observed.

He said ‘’Akhand Bharat is a fact of life.’’ ‘’We the people. We are one.’’

On the issue of renaming of roads he said there is no harm. But the roads should not be named after ‘’invaders.’’ There is not harm if roads are named after Abdul Hameed, APJ Abdul Kalam.’’ Except the names of invaders, any name is acceptable.

On reservation he said ‘’he supports reservation as provided in the Constitution. "Caste-based reservation must be approached with sensitivity,’’ he added.

Prakash Kumar Pandey