Bhagwat Warns Protests Can Be Used for Political Gain and Fuel Social Divisions

NAGPUR, Oct 20: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday cautioned that regime change movements rarely address underlying problems, warning that protests driven by political interests could deepen social divisions instead of providing meaningful solutions.

Speaking at the organisation’s annual Vijayadashami gathering in Nagpur, Bhagwat referred to recent political upheavals in Bangladesh, Nepal, France and Albania. He alleged that groups pursuing their own interests often present a change of government as a solution to wider problems, without necessarily achieving the desired outcomes.

“They claim that changing a regime will change the situation, but that has never really happened,” Bhagwat said.

He argued that India’s growing strength could draw opposition from forces seeking to preserve their global influence. While some international powers support India’s development, he said, others may be reluctant to see the country emerge as a stronger force capable of challenging their dominance.

Bhagwat’s remarks came during the RSS’s Vijayadashami Utsav, where he also performed shastra puja, a traditional ritual involving the worship of weapons.

Emphasising the role of demonstrations in a democratic society, the RSS chief said protests were inevitable but should be directed towards resolving public grievances rather than creating antagonism.

“Problems will remain, and protests are inevitable in a democracy. But what should the purpose of protests be? They should be aimed at finding solutions,” he said.

Bhagwat cautioned that demonstrations could be turned into instruments of political interests when their objectives moved away from public welfare. Such activities, he said, could encourage hostility towards particular individuals, communities or ideological groups, weakening social harmony.

He called upon political leaders, protest organisers and the administration to exercise restraint and ensure that their actions did not generate resentment or divisions among people.

The RSS chief also stressed the importance of constitutional boundaries and responsible conduct during periods of political disagreement.

“However intense our emotions may be, we must respect the limits set by our Constitution, the norms of civilised public discourse and standards of decent conduct,” he said.

Bhagwat’s address highlighted the need to balance democratic dissent with constitutional responsibility, arguing that public demonstrations should contribute to addressing grievances while preserving social cohesion.