Hindu wanting Muslims out of India won’t remain a Hindu: Mohan Bhagwat in New York - The Indian Express

**RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat warns that Hindus who want Muslims out of India “cease to be Hindu”**

Speaking at a cultural‑political gathering in New York on Thursday, Mohan Bhagwat – the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) – said that any Hindu who believes “Muslims have no place in India” can no longer be called a Hindu. He framed the remark as a reminder of the RSS’s “core belief in the unity of India’s pluralistic heritage,” arguing that the organization’s ideology is rooted in “respect for all faiths” and not in communal exclusion. The comments were made during a panel discussion titled “India’s Vision for the World,” which was attended by members of the Indian diaspora, American scholars, and representatives of several South‑Asian cultural groups.

Bhagwat’s remarks come amid a wave of criticism that the RSS, a right‑leaning nationalist volunteer movement, promotes an anti‑Muslim agenda. He rejected the label, describing it as a “misconception” that “distorts the true purpose of our work.” According to the RSS, its vision is to see “the world as one” and to foster “social harmony based on moral values.” He added that the organization’s programs – ranging from disaster relief to educational initiatives – have historically been inclusive, and that attempts to portray it as hostile to minorities ignore these contributions.

Political analysts say Bhagwat’s New York address is an attempt to counter growing domestic and international scrutiny of the RSS’s role in India’s communal politics. While leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have generally defended the RSS, some opposition figures have welcomed Bhagwat’s explicit rejection of anti‑Muslim sentiment, urging the group to demonstrate its inclusivity through concrete actions. The speech is expected to be referenced in upcoming debates on the RSS’s influence over policy, especially as India prepares for national elections later this year.