NAGPUR, India (Diya TV) — Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat warned Tuesday that foreign powers could exploit protests to weaken India, while also urging the government to address public grievances and respect constitutional limits.
Speaking at Reshimbagh Ground in Nagpur, Bhagwat cited unrest in France, Albania, Bangladesh and Nepal. He argued that changing a government does not necessarily solve a country’s problems and alleged that global powers seek to undermine India. He did not provide evidence for that claim.
His remarks came amid protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged manipulation of voter rolls. Opposition parties and the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party have backed the demand. Bhagwat did not name Kumar, the Election Commission or the protesters, so his comments do not confirm that he was referring to those demonstrations.
Bhagwat said protests over social problems and shortcomings in public systems were natural, but should focus on resolving them. “Such agitations should aim to provide solutions,” he said. He cautioned political leaders against letting “the lure of votes, cheap popularity, or political gains” drive their actions. He also urged protesters, officials and politicians to avoid conduct that could deepen social divisions.
He called on government officials to treat citizens with respect when carrying out policies and said dialogue and community initiatives could help address problems alongside government action and protest.
The RSS chief also called for stronger safeguards around digital content. He urged the government to consider OTT regulations, saying, “The government should give this matter due consideration.” He warned that artificial intelligence could be used to mislead people and spread false information, and called drug addiction a serious national problem. The RSS, he said, would bring together organizations working on addiction prevention for a nationwide effort.
Bhagwat linked national unity to India’s diverse faiths, languages and customs. He invoked the 1905 partition of Bengal, which the British annulled in 1911, and described the Swadeshi movement and “Vande Mataram” as symbols of resistance. He contrasted that history with the 1947 partition of British India and urged people to sing “Vande Mataram” in full.
The address marked the close of the RSS’s centenary celebrations. Bhagwat said the organization would continue work on social harmony, environmental protection, family life, self-reliance and civic discipline beyond its anniversary year.
