Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, recently expressed very clear and candid opinions about the role of the Sangh and the current socio-political situation at an event. Particularly, his answer to the question “Who can become the Sarsanghchalak?” has become a topic of widespread discussion.
Mohan Bhagwat firmly stated that the Sarsanghchalak is only a Hindu, but no caste is a barrier for that. “There is no requirement for him to be a Brahmin. The Sarsanghchalak can be from SC, ST, or any community, as long as he is a Hindu,” he clearly stated. He also clarified that in the Sangh, a person's selection is based on values, loyalty, and work capability, not on caste, class, or background.
Speaking on the issue of retirement, Mohan Bhagwat said, “I will retire when the Sangh tells me to. However, work does not stop even after retirement.” He emphasized that the Sangh is an institution larger than an individual, and work is more important than position here. Through the metaphor “No one cuts the tongue because teeth have come under it,” he commented on the role of experience and age.
Blunt Commentary on Corruption
While speaking about corruption, Mohan Bhagwat expressed a very clear stance. “Corruption is not in the system but in the minds of people,” he said. Just as we cannot see how fish drink water, we also cannot understand how some government employees take money, he remarked. Therefore, merely changing the system will not eradicate corruption; changing the mindset is necessary, he stated.
Clear Stance on Employment
The head of the organization also expressed a firm stance on the issue of employment. “Employment should not be given to foreign nationals. However, if they are Muslim citizens of our country, then definitely give them employment,” he said. He clarified that prioritizing national interest and providing opportunities to indigenous citizens is essential.
Society, Family, and Values
Speaking about the working methods of the organization, Mohan Bhagwat said that the main work of the organization is to instill values. Although the scriptures mention the number of children in a family, the final decision rests with the respective family, he noted. “You can choose your deity,” he said, emphasizing religious freedom. Speaking about critics of the organization, he shared an experience.
“Opponents of the organization came to meet me. I explained everything to them, yet some questions remained unanswered,” he said. He also invited people to understand the organization's work through direct experience. Meanwhile, the recent attendance of actor Salman Khan at an RSS event has sparked discussions, indicating that many misconceptions about the organization are being cleared, as discussed in political circles.