‘Doublespeak’: Opposition parties slam RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, say he can’t tolerate diversity at home

Opposition parties have criticized RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for what they perceive as contradictory statements regarding diversity in India. While the BJP praised Bhagwat, stating he has demonstrated the true meaning of Hinduism, the opposition maintains that his remarks are a form of doublespeak.

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed accused Bhagwat of "lying" and alleged that the RSS's DNA is filled with "hatred and communalism." Udit Raj also commented, suggesting Bhagwat's speech was intended to counter protests against the RSS in New York. He insisted that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leaders are "two-faced" and change their rhetoric when faced with criticism.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi branded Bhagwat's speech as "doublespeak," noting that he uses different words for the world and for his own members. He urged Bhagwat to recite excerpts from the writings of leaders like Savarkar, Hedgewar, and Golwalkar, allowing people to judge the true nature of the RSS.

Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut demanded that Bhagwat repeat the same statement in India, arguing that the RSS chief's ideology is only applicable abroad. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal questioned whether it was Congress leader Rahul Gandhi or Bhagwat speaking, highlighting the contradiction between accepting diversity abroad and intolerance at home.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis defended tolerance as a core aspect of Hindutva, asserting that Hindus never initiate attacks. Cockroach Janta Party leader Abhijeet Dipke criticized the BJP for thinking it has surpassed the RSS, urging them to heed Bhagwat's warnings.