RSS chief advises Hindus to sit together with their Muslim brethren and resolve all disputes
NAGPUR: In a significant development, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has weighed in on the Gyanvapi Masjid controversy and asked why it is necessary to see a Shivling in every mosque.
Addressing the concluding function of RSS workers' training programme in Nagpur on Thursday, Mohan Bhagwat said: "We shouldn't bring out a new matter daily. Why should we escalate the dispute? We have devotion towards Gyanvapi and we are doing something as per that, it is all right. Why look for a Shivling in every mosque (Har masjid me Shivling kyun dekhna?)."
He said that the RSS was not in favour of launching any other movement. "We took part in the Ram Janmabhoomi andolan because circumstances were such and achieved what people wanted. We don't want to call for anymore agitation," he said.
However, Bhagwat said that the Gyanvapi dispute involves some issues of faith and the court's decision on it should be accepted by all.
"Gyanvapi matter is ongoing. We can't change history. Neither today's Hindus nor today's Muslims created it. It happened at that time. Islam came from outside via attackers. In the attacks, Devasthans (temples) were demolished to exhaust the morale of those who wanted independence," Bhagwat said.
He also said that Hindus are not against Muslims. "Ancestors of today's Muslims were Hindus too," he added.
The RSS chief advised Hindus to sit together with their Muslim brethren and resolve all disputes.
"If some people do not agree and knock the doors of the court of law, we should honour the court verdict," Bhagwat asserted.
"Hindus had accepted the bifurcation of united India that paved the way for a Muslim country, Pakistan. This means a good number of Muslims who stayed back in India and did not opt for Pakistan are our brethren," Bhagwat said.
Bhagwat also said that it is a historical fact Muslims rulers had destroyed Hindu religious places and constructed mosques.
On the international front, Bhagwat admitted that India could not do much when Russia attacked Ukraine, adding that even the mighty China remained non-committal on the issue.
Around 735 Swayamsevaks, including farmers, teachers, engineers, doctors and people from various other fields from across the country were selected to participate in the RSS training programme – 'Sangh Shiksha Varg - Tritiya Varsha' - which commenced on May 9 at the Hedgewar Smruti Mandir in Reshimbagh. (Agencies)
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