If Hindus think Muslims have no place, they cease to be Hindu: Mohan Bhagwat in New York

On Saturday, August 29, 2026, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that Hindutva does not envision a Bharat (India) without Muslims, asserting that anyone who believes Muslims should have no place in the country would cease to be a Hindu. During a public event in New York City, where he engaged with leaders from various communities and religions, Mr. Bhagwat addressed questions from Muslims about the RSS's vision of a "Hindu Rashtra" and whether Muslims would be expelled from the country.

He clarified that such a notion was not in line with the principles of Hindutva and emphasized that a person harboring this belief would not remain a part of the Hindu community. Mr. Bhagwat stressed that while religions may differ among individuals, humanity remains a unifying force, asserting that India has historically provided shelter to people irrespective of their religious identity.

He highlighted the RSS's service activities, noting that around 1.3 lakh projects were being run by RSS volunteers with the support of the society. Recalling an incident in Dadri, Haryana, where two aircraft from Muslim-majority nations collided, Mr. Bhagwat shared how RSS volunteers were among the first at the scene, providing funeral arrangements and assistance to relatives in identifying the victims.

He emphasized that the RSS's approach during such relief efforts was not influenced by the victims' religious affiliations. Mr. Bhagwat also referenced the organisation's increasing engagement with minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians, since 2018, framing dialogue and service as complementary steps. Drawing on the example of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a spiritual figure known for his practice of different religious traditions, including Islam and Christianity, Mr. Bhagwat quoted him as saying, "As many ways, as many thoughts.

All lead to one way." The RSS chief argued that the unity of humanity is embedded in India's traditional thought and constitution, advocating for social change through selfless service, dialogue, and unity rather than politics. He cautioned that politics had become a self-serving game, and urged society to initiate change from the ground up.