Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said attempts to “dismantle” India would not succeed, arguing that changing the government would not necessarily resolve the country’s problems.
Addressing the RSS’s annual Vijayadashami gathering in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Bhagwat said it was mistaken to believe that a change in political leadership would automatically transform the situation in the country.
“They said that a regime change would change the situation, but it did not happen. It did not happen earlier, and it will not happen today either,” he said.
The address coincided with the RSS observing its 101st foundation day during the Dussehra festivities. Bhagwat spoke about the organisation’s centenary-year activities and the challenges facing India.
His remarks came amid protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demonstrations demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Bhagwat Alleges Forces Are Targeting India
Bhagwat alleged that forces opposed to India’s progress were attempting to disrupt the country and weaken the RSS.
“India is their main target because India is progressing. These evil forces know that they cannot disrupt India the way it has moved ahead with decisive policies in the last few decades. They are trying to dismantle India and the Sangh,” he said.
He claimed that some people within India, including political leaders, supported these forces, accusing them of being driven by a thirst for power.
The RSS chief also referred to developments in France, Bangladesh, Nepal and Albania, saying societies across the world were facing challenges from forces opposed to established institutions, cultural values and social order.
“There is a storm coming in from the West which opposes every form of order, propriety, auspiciousness, culture and human values, seeking to destroy, corrupt and ruin them. Even developed nations are affected by it,” Bhagwat said.
He urged Indians to remain alert to what he described as efforts to derail the country’s development.
Protests Must Remain Within Constitutional Limits
Bhagwat acknowledged that public grievances could lead to demonstrations, but said protests should focus on resolving problems rather than creating divisions.
He cautioned that actions by protesters, law enforcement agencies and political leaders should not fuel hatred, bitterness or conflict within society.
“No matter how strong emotions run, our actions must stay within the boundaries of the Constitution, the law and civil decorum,” he said.
He added that politically motivated or instigated protests could create tensions, encourage disorder and disrupt public life.
Bhagwat also argued that agitation alone would not bring solutions, stressing that problems should be addressed through efforts within society.
Remarks Follow Row Over ‘Regime Change’
The RSS chief’s comments came days after senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan said protests in Delhi against alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls had become “really a fight for regime change”.
Bhushan had said the immediate demand was to ensure that elections were conducted properly, while warning that continued alleged misconduct could eventually lead to a change in government.
The remarks triggered a political controversy, with the BJP accusing opposition groups of attempting to use young people to create unrest.
BJP leaders also argued that the protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar were being used to advance a broader political agenda. Opposition figures and protesters have raised concerns over the electoral roll revision process.
Bhagwat Calls for Balance Between Development and Ecology
In his address, Bhagwat also spoke about the need to balance economic development with environmental protection and ethical considerations.
He said scientific and technological progress should not come at the cost of ecology or human life. He also stressed the importance of respecting India’s diversity in religion, language and food habits.
Referring to natural disasters in the Himalayan region, including Nepal’s recent floods, Bhagwat warned that development projects could create serious consequences if environmental concerns were overlooked.
“We have to balance between development and ensuring that the price of development does not mean people dying,” he said.
He called for a development model that protects the environment and human life while allowing the country to progress.
