RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Clarifies Sangh’s Stand: “We Support Rashtra Neeti, Not Rajneeti”

Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has once again clarified that the organisation does not align with any political party but stands firmly for the nation’s interest and policies that benefit the country. Speaking on the Sangh’s ideology and role in national life, Bhagwat said the RSS supports the “cause” rather than any “party.”

He explained that even during past agitations, the RSS did not endorse any single political entity. “During those movements, elections took place, and in most cases, there wasn’t a single-party contest but alliances. Where the BJP supported alliance candidates, our volunteers supported candidates who supported the cause. There is no affinity toward any particular political party,” Bhagwat said.

Expanding on the Sangh’s approach, he added, “No party is ours, and all parties are ours — because they are Bharatiya (Indian) parties. We support Rashtra Neeti (national policy), not Rajneeti (party politics). We do this openly. We have our views and a vision for the direction this country should take, and we support whoever works toward that direction.”

Bhagwat stressed that the RSS aims to unify the society rather than divide it. “There are volunteers in many parties who think like the Sangh. We aim to organise the entire society without excluding anyone. Even present opponents are potential volunteers. The only thing the Sangh seeks is the betterment of the country,” he stated.

When questioned about the RSS’s use of the Bhagwa Dhwaj (saffron flag) instead of the national flag, Bhagwat offered a historical perspective. “The Sangh began in 1925, and we needed a symbol for the organisation. Dr. Hedgewar said the Sangh belongs to us. If our sister or brother gets married, we don’t ask for donations — we take loans. We will never beg for our work. The Sangh is ours, and we must contribute. But there should be no ego in our contributions. Hence, we give Guru Dakshina. For this, there must be a Guru. But a person cannot be a Guru, as he has a limited lifespan,” he said.

“Every sinner has a past, and every saint has a future. Situations change. Therefore, there should be a permanent symbol of our glorious culture and Hinduness — and that is the Bhagwa Dhwaj. It has always been and remains our Guru,” Bhagwat added.

He further explained that the saffron flag was historically considered for the national flag as well. “The national flag was finalised in 1937. The flag committee unanimously recommended the traditional saffron flag as the national flag of independent India. However, Mahatma Gandhi intervened and suggested a Tricolour flag, with saffron at the top,” he said.

Emphasising the Sangh’s respect for the Tricolour, Bhagwat remarked, “Since its creation, the Sangh has respected, paid tribute to, and protected the Tiranga Dhwaj (national flag). It was first hoisted in 1933 at a Congress session in Maharashtra. Ever since the formation of this flag, we have stood in its defence. When the court later ruled that the national flag could be hoisted by private organisations, we began hoisting it on January 26 and August 15 at all Shakhas. So, there is no conflict between the Bhagwa and the Tiranga.”