Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has thrown his weight behind the organisation's general secretary, Dattatreya Hosabale, over his controversial remarks advocating talks with Pakistan. The comments had sparked a major political row.
RSS Stand on Foreign Policy
Speaking at an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Bhagwat clarified that the RSS does not have an independent foreign policy regarding any nation and follows the central government's stance on Pakistan. However, he noted that many people in Pakistan believe the partition of Bharat was wrong, and several journalists there praise the RSS and its work. He described a distinct undercurrent among people who are anti-Pakistan and against the two-nation theory, saying they believe living together was better.
Need for Dialogue
Bhagwat stressed that since India is “not like Hitler,” it must keep its doors open for talks with Pakistan. He remarked, “In a future war, if India defeats Pakistan beyond repair, the people there will have to be brought into the fold of Bharat or they should be able to live peacefully in that country itself. For that, the doors of dialogue need to be kept open.” He added, “We are not like Hitler. That is not our nature or our way. So we need to keep some doors open. We should vanquish injustice and tyranny, but we should also preserve what is good.”
Hosabale's Earlier Remarks
In an interview with PTI in May, Hosabale had stated, “The security and self-respect of a country have to be protected and the government of the day should take care of it. But at the same time, we need not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage them in a dialogue.” While former Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane supported him, opposition politicians including Mehbooba Mufti and Kapil Sibal criticised his stance.
The RSS chief's endorsement reinforces the organisation's position that dialogue with Pakistan remains a viable option despite tensions.
