Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday urged citizens to help authorities identify “illegal infiltrators” and report them to the government, suggesting that language could be a key indicator in detecting such individuals.
Speaking at a Sangh centenary event in Mumbai, Bhagwat said the government had begun taking steps to address the issue of infiltration, though much more needed to be done.
“The government has a lot to do regarding infiltration. They have to detect and deport. This wasn’t happening earlier, but it has started little by little, and it will gradually increase,” Bhagwat said. The RSS is widely regarded as the ideological parent of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which leads the Centre.
Referring to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in several states, Bhagwat said such exercises bring to light individuals who are not Indian citizens. “When the census or the SIR is conducted, many people come to light who are not citizens of this country; they are automatically excluded from the process,” he said.
The remarks come amid political controversy, particularly in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP of targeting Muslims by branding them “Bangladeshi infiltrators”. In BJP-ruled Assam, where elections are also due, the issue of illegal immigration has intensified, with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma facing allegations of targeting Bengali-speaking Muslims.
Bhagwat called on people to remain vigilant and avoid offering employment to those suspected of being foreigners. “We can do one thing: we can work on detection. Their language gives them away. We should detect them and report them to the appropriate authorities,” he said, according to news agency ANI.
“We should inform the police that we suspect these people are foreigners. They should investigate and keep an eye on them, and we will also keep an eye on them,” he added. “We will not give employment to any foreigner. If someone is from our country, we will give them employment, but not to foreigners.”
‘Anyone can become RSS chief’
During the event, Bhagwat also stressed that the RSS believes in inclusivity and merit, saying that anyone could rise to the position of sarsanghchalak, regardless of caste.
“Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra or Brahmin does not qualify someone for the post of RSS chief. A Hindu who works and is the best available will become it—and that can also be someone from the SC or ST community,” he said. “Today, all sections of society are represented in the Sangh. Decisions are taken based on work and capability.”
Speaking about himself, Bhagwat said he had informed the organisation after turning 75 that he was ready to step aside, but was asked to continue. “Generally, it is said that after turning 75, one should work without holding any post. I informed the RSS, but the organisation asked me to continue working,” he said. “Whenever the RSS asks me to step down, I will do so, but retirement from work will never happen.”
He also noted that there is no election to the post of RSS chief, as the sarsanghchalak is appointed by regional and divisional heads of the organisation.
On reservations and caste
Bhagwat said caste-based reservations should continue for as long as they are necessary. “This issue will be resolved through goodwill. We should not fight among ourselves,” he said.
Criticising caste-based vote-bank politics, he added, “Politicians say ‘I am Brahmin, vote for me’ to gain power. The solution lies in moving forward with goodwill. Politicians are vote-wadi.”
On trade deals and agriculture
Touching upon recent trade agreements with the United States, European Union, the UK and other countries, Bhagwat said such deals should prioritise India’s interests, particularly farmers’ welfare.
“Trade deals will happen and should keep happening, but farmers’ interests must come first,” he said, advocating a return to organic farming and indigenous seeds. “Farmers once had knowledge and control over their produce, but that was taken away. Only a few varieties remain, yet they sustained us for centuries.”
“We should learn from the world, but filter it through our own lens,” Bhagwat added. “Growth should be collective, not merely individual.” (ANI)
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