‘Essential for unifying society’: Mohan Bhagwat bats for nationwide UCC

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated for the nationwide implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), modeled on the one in Uttarakhand, and said it was necessary to unite society.

At an ex-servicemen event on Monday evening (February 23, 2026) to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mr. Bhagwat said, “It would be a very good thing if the UCC is implemented… It would be good if it happens across the country. I believe it should be implemented that way (like in Uttarakhand).”

Uttarakhand became the first state in the country to implement UCC on January 27 last year.

Saying that UCC is necessary to unite the society, the RSS chief said that after the draft proposal for Uttarakhand was submitted for public discussions, he received suggestions from 3 lakh people and all of them were examined.

When asked about the UGC regulations, which were aimed at curbing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions and were stayed by the Supreme Court, Mr. Bhagwat refused to comment, saying the matter was currently before the high court.

Speaking at the event attended by veterans and serving officers from military and paramilitary forces, the RSS chief said that even if the country is independent, defense forces will always be needed to protect freedom.

He said the Sangh was established without any external funding and despite facing severe sanctions twice, it continued to move forward thanks to the self-confidence of the community.

Mr. Bhagwat also urged ex-servicemen to attend Sangh camps and programs, observe the dedication of volunteers and participate in service activities in line with their interests and abilities.