RSS Welcomes Criticism Over Mohan Bhagwat’s UK, US Tours, Expecting Open Debate
RSS welcomes debate over Bhagwat's trips.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh has said it remains "open for dialogue" with everyone, responding to criticism and protests surrounding chief Mohan Bhagwat's ongoing visit to the United Kingdom, which has drawn demonstrations similar to those seen during his earlier stop in the United States. Addressing a press briefing in London, the organisation's national communications head said the RSS "expects a debate and exchange of thoughts," emphasising that people should be free to express their views regarding the Sangh and its activities. Bhagwat is currently on a three-nation centenary outreach tour spanning the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, marking one hundred years since the founding of the RSS, the ideological parent organisation of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
He arrived in the UK on September 2, with his visit scheduled to continue until September 7, after which he is expected to return to Delhi following the conclusion of the 15-day international tour. During the earlier legs of his trip, Bhagwat addressed a Multifaith Leaders Meeting in the United States attended by 175 participants representing various religious denominations, as well as a large-scale Universal Oneness Conference at Madison Square Garden, which drew more than 6,000 delegates from 853 cities across 39 US states, according to the RSS's communications head, who described the gathering as representing more than 250 different organisations and associations engaged in interfaith dialogue.
The UK leg of the tour has, however, generated significant controversy even before Bhagwat's arrival. The Kashmir Centre, an advocacy organisation, had formally called on the British government to prevent Bhagwat from entering the country, submitting a dossier to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood on August 25, with copies sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The organisation asked the Home Office to assess Bhagwat's proposed visit under provisions of UK immigration rules concerning individuals whose presence may not be considered conducive to the public good, and separately referred his planned London programme to police for evaluation of potential public-order and religious-hatred concerns.
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The Kashmir Centre has characterised the RSS as promoting majoritarian politics and anti-minority mobilisation in India, allegations the organisation has consistently denied. Despite the criticism, RSS officials have maintained that the visit has generated considerable enthusiasm among British Hindu communities, with several community and social organisations reportedly coming together to welcome Bhagwat and participate in the various engagements planned during his stay in the UK. The organisation's spokesperson outlined the significance and key objectives of the visit at the London press briefing, framing it as part of a broader effort to present what RSS officials describe as a "factual and positive perspective" on India, Hindu society, and the Sangh itself to international audiences, while promoting the concept of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," or the idea of the world as one family.
The RSS has framed its centenary-year outreach as a global engagement effort, with officials noting that the organisation has reached more than 1,000 million households with its message during this milestone year. As Bhagwat continues his UK engagements ahead of his scheduled community leadership programme, the RSS has signalled that it intends to continue engaging openly with critics and welcoming public debate, even as protests and formal objections to the visit persist among certain diaspora and advocacy groups opposed to the organisation's ideology and activities.
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