Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday cautioned against politically motivated agitations and social divisions, warning that forces seeking to weaken India could exploit domestic unrest as the country expands its global influence.
Addressing the RSS’s annual Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur, Bhagwat said protests were a natural response to social problems and administrative shortcomings, but stressed that demonstrations should focus on finding solutions rather than fostering hostility, resentment and divisions.
“It’s a wrong perception that problems get solved only through agitation,” he said, adding that societal challenges could also be addressed through dialogue, collective action and cooperation between citizens and institutions.
Bhagwat said protesters, government authorities and political leaders must ensure that their actions did not create discord within society. He also urged people to remain within the boundaries of the Constitution and the law, maintaining civility and propriety even when emotions ran high.
He cautioned against allowing electoral calculations, the pursuit of popularity or political advantage to influence decisions at the cost of social harmony.
The RSS chief alleged that international forces opposed to India’s rise could exploit domestic grievances to deepen divisions, encourage a sense of victimhood and undermine public confidence in national institutions.
His remarks come amid protests in India, including demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The country has also witnessed youth-led demonstrations over examination paper leaks.
Referring to developments in France, Albania, Nepal and Bangladesh, Bhagwat alleged that external forces were behind unrest and attempts at regime change in several countries. He argued that changing a government did not necessarily resolve underlying problems.
He said India’s progress, national self-confidence, leadership and growing international responsibilities had made it an important competitor on the global stage, potentially prompting forces opposed to its rise to exploit internal differences.
Bhagwat also expressed concern over the influence of social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms on young people, saying unfiltered content could make it difficult for them to distinguish between right and wrong.
He urged the government to consider appropriate curbs, particularly on OTT platforms, while emphasising the need for parents, educational institutions and society to instil discernment and responsible behaviour among young people.
Highlighting the dangers of addiction, he called on parents to guide their children and urged young people to avoid addictive habits. He also said RSS volunteers would work towards building a nationwide resistance against drug abuse.
On the controversy surrounding Vande Mataram, Bhagwat described the national song as a symbol of unity and patriotism during the movement against the Partition of Bengal. He said it continued to inspire national unity and called for it to be sung in its entirety with pride.
Concluding his address, Bhagwat said India’s ambition to become a ‘Vishwaguru’ would depend on the conduct and contribution of its citizens. He called for balanced development, discipline, mutual respect and social responsibility, stressing that national progress required unity alongside respect for the country’s diversity.
