“We are not in day-to-day politics, but we are concerned about national policies irrespective of who is in power”

“For various reasons, in our society, the political prism is a favourite perspective. So not only Sangh’s activities, everything else also is viewed from a political perspective. Generally, we remain unmindful to the good or bad happening in other walks of social life. Everything is politics-centric. However, right from its inception, Sangh has consciously kept itself away from day-to-day politics. The politics of votes, the politics of elections, politics of humiliating one another— Sangh has no relation with any of these,” said RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat.

Sarsanghchalak Dr Bhagwat further said, “If politics takes a wrong turn and because of that our social awakening is adversely impacted, we are concerned. We have always been vocal about national policy; and whatever strength we have, accordingly we try to mobile it to drive it in the right direction. We do openly and without any hesitation. We have never been secretive about it. This is true of the present time as well. We are not concerned with day-to-day politics, but we are definitely linked to rasthra neeti—the national policy. We have our opinion about the same. Today, as we have gained adequate strength (through the organizational network), we try to utilize it in the national interest and we will certainly do so. The only difference is, earlier, Sangh Swayamsevak were not in positions of political power. This is the only addition in the present situation. But people forget that it is the Swayamsevaks who have reached to certain political positions through a political party. Sangh continues to organise society for the organisation’s sake. However, whatever Swayamsevaks does in politics, Sangh is held accountable for the same. Even if we are not implicated directly by others, there is certainly some accountability that lies with the Sangh; as ultimately, it is in the Sangh where swayamsevaks are trained. Therefore, we are forced to think – what should be our relationship, which things we should pursue (in the national interests) with due diligence.”

“Even when Swayamsevaks were not there in power positions, there were people who used to pay heed to the advice of others. There will be such people in the future too. We will keep approaching them with people’s concerns. Pranab Da was the finance minister in the Congress government. He was also looking after Nepal affairs. We used to take our concerns to him. And he would listen to us too. That’s all we do. Otherwise, we have no business in other spheres of active politics,” Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat further added.