“No Constitutional Approval Needed”: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Says India Is a Hindu Nation

New Delhi : Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday asserted that India is, and will remain, a Hindu nation, stating that no constitutional approval is required to establish this reality, as it is rooted in the country’s culture and civilisational ethos.

Speaking at the ‘100 Vyakhyan Mala’ programme in Kolkata, organised to mark the completion of 100 years of the RSS, Bhagwat said that India’s identity as a Hindu nation is a cultural truth rather than a constitutional declaration.

“The Sun rises in the east—do we need constitutional approval for that? Similarly, Hindustan is a Hindu nation. Whoever considers India as their motherland and respects Indian culture is part of this nation,” Bhagwat said.

He emphasised that as long as even one individual in the country cherishes the legacy of Indian ancestors, India will continue to be a Hindu nation. He added that the RSS does not seek validation through constitutional amendments to assert this belief.

“If Parliament ever decides to amend the Constitution and add that word, it is fine. If it does not, that is also fine. We do not depend on that. We are Hindus, and our nation is a Hindu nation—that is the truth,” he said.

Clarifying misconceptions around Hindutva, Bhagwat said that caste-based discrimination by birth is not a defining feature of Hindu identity. He also addressed allegations that the RSS is anti-Muslim, calling them baseless.

“The work of the RSS is transparent. Anyone can visit our offices and shakhas to see for themselves. If you find anything anti-Muslim, you may keep your opinion. If not, you should reconsider it,” he said.

Bhagwat added that many people have come to recognise that the RSS organises Hindus and advocates their protection while remaining firmly nationalist, not anti-Muslim.

“Those who want to understand should come and observe our work. But if someone is unwilling to understand, no explanation can help,” he remarked.

The event witnessed participation from RSS functionaries, scholars and supporters, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s century-long journey.