New Delhi: A day after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat called for greater social harmony across the country, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday welcomed his remarks, saying India must continue to progress in line with its long-standing traditions of inclusivity and unity.
Addressing the issue on Wednesday, Bhagwat urged citizens to rise above divisions of caste, wealth and language, and to treat “everyone as one’s own.” He emphasised that the nation belongs equally to all its people and that social harmony is central to India’s identity.
Bhagwat’s comments came amid public outrage over the killing of Angel Chakma, a student from Tripura, in Dehradun, allegedly following racial abuse. Against this backdrop, he reiterated the need for equality and unity, stressing that discrimination undermines the country’s social fabric.
Reacting to the RSS chief’s statement, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said Bhagwat had spoken in the right spirit. Speaking to IANS, Pathak said the RSS chief consistently highlights the importance of social harmony and collective progress that reflects India’s inclusive culture.
BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal also endorsed Bhagwat’s views, saying they reaffirmed the inclusive nature of Indian identity. He said that anyone who lives in India and considers the country their motherland is Indian, irrespective of religion, and described Bhagwat’s remarks on India as an eternal nation rooted in unity as appropriate.
The Shiv Sena too expressed support for Bhagwat’s call. Party leader Shaina NC said India has always stood as a symbol of social harmony and unity, with citizens sharing common goals beyond differences of caste, creed, gender or language.
Referring to Bhagwat’s remarks, Shaina NC said he had emphasised inclusivity in everyday life, including equal access to public and religious spaces. Bhagwat had underlined that true social harmony begins with the removal of discrimination and ensuring that facilities such as temples, water bodies and cremation grounds are accessible to all without exception.