Forgetting Hindu sentiments led to Partition: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday, February 7, 2026, said that the Partition of India took place due to forgetting of “Hindu bhav” (emotion). He was speaking at a program titled “100 years of the Sangh journey” in Mumbai.

Celebrities like singer Adnan Sami, actor Ranbir Kapoor and actor Salman Khan attended the event.

While ‘swadeshi’ (dependence on domestic production) is necessary, global dependence is also needed, Mr. Bhagwat said, adding that such dependence should not be driven by “tariffs”. “The partition happened because of religion. Since we are Hindus, we said that we respect all religions. There are those who say this is wrong. Islam and Christianity still exist in India. There are conflicts, but the country remained united. Forgetting the Hindu sentiment led to the division of India.” “You lose nothing by accepting Hindutva, (be it) your religious practice or your language. Hindutva is the guarantee of your security,” the RSS chief said.

“A person’s beliefs, eating habits and language may be different, but we are all one as a society, culture and nation,” he said. “We call it Hindutva and you can also call it (bharatiyata).” He also said that Hindu-Muslim unity is a false statement because “you are uniting two (different) people, not those who are already one.”

Mr. Bhagwat said dialogue was necessary to understand the RSS and the nature of the organization cannot be understood on the basis of perception and propaganda. If there is any opposition to the Sangh on a de facto basis, “we will evolve” but “you must come to us to know the facts”, he said. He said that the power of correct and peaceful coexistence should be mobilized and that we should complement each other.

‘A Hindu does not disrespect anyone’s faith’

He said a Hindu does not disrespect anyone’s faith. “There will have to be dialogue. We will have to sit down and talk peacefully,” he said.

Mr. Bhagwat said intra-family dialogue was necessary to ensure that the younger generation does not turn to drugs or drift towards suicide. He added that it is necessary to inculcate self-pride (“Swa ka gaurav”) and self-understanding (“Swa ka bodh”).

Mr. Bhagwat said the RSS does not want to be a “pressure group” and does not exercise direct or indirect control over the activities carried out by its volunteers. He said people often assume control exists because volunteers work in different areas. Responding to criticism, he said that being honest is helpful.

Calling for unity among Hindus, he said, “There are selfish and monopolistic forces in the world working to prevent the rise of India. If the entire Hindu society stands together, no one will be able to resist its rightful power. Their days are numbered. It is just a battle of wills now. If we continue to work together, build our country and protect ourselves from their attacks, their power will naturally diminish.”