Muslim Leaders Praise Bhagwat's Comments on Temple-Mosque Conflicts

New Delhi, Dec 20 (NationPress) Numerous political figures, particularly from the Opposition, have shown their support for the statement made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, which denounced certain Hindu leaders for bringing up matters concerning new Hindu sites motivated by hatred and animosity.

Nonetheless, they conveyed doubts regarding the actions of the Sangh Parivar and its associated organizations.

Congress leader Husain Dalwai, while speaking to IANS, praised Bhagwat's remarks but questioned the RSS' involvement in the ongoing social tensions. "Mohan Bhagwat’s statement is accurate, but what about the violence against Muslims -- mob lynchings, demolitions of their homes, and other oppressive actions? These actions are executed by individuals adhering to RSS ideology. Why is there no action taken to halt them?" he stated to IANS.

Dalwai urged Bhagwat to adopt a more decisive stance against the divisive forces within his organization.

"I hold great respect for Mohan Bhagwat. The RSS possesses significant influence and could eliminate such elements, yet it does not. Bhagwat ji needs to clarify what Hindutva genuinely signifies -- is it about coexistence, or is it against Muslims? Which version of Hindutva does he endorse?"

He criticized the RSS, asserting that its ideology promotes division.

"They advocate four principles -- lying, oppressing society, inciting violence, and misusing nationalism in the name of Hindutva. These principles are detrimental to the unity of the country," Dalwai stated.

Maharashtra Congress leader Naseem Khan also welcomed Bhagwat's remarks but voiced concerns regarding their implementation.

"It’s encouraging to hear such statements, but what is their effect? Today, India is plagued with conflict -- Muslims are being targeted, mob lynchings persist, and even the Constitution is under siege," he told IANS.

Khan emphasized the gap between Bhagwat’s statements and actual actions. "The RSS advocates unity but practices division. The individuals causing these disturbances are closely associated with the Sangh Parivar," he remarked.

NCP (SP) leader and former MP Majeed Memon echoed these sentiments. While he appreciated Bhagwat’s statement, he expressed irritation over the lack of action. "Bhagwat often makes commendable statements, but they are seldom enacted. He must confront these issues within the RSS and ensure genuine change instead of mere publicity," Memon stated to IANS.

Memon criticized the government for its treatment of Muslims. "The Prime Minister’s slogan of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ feels like a conspiracy. Muslim homes are demolished, mosques are razed, and they are unjustly labeled as terrorists. Bhagwat’s words must translate into action," he remarked.

Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Choudhary also welcomed Bhagwat’s comments, urging other BJP leaders to follow suit. "It’s unexpected to hear such a statement from Mohan Bhagwat. I hope this indicates a transformation. The nation needs to concentrate on genuine public issues instead of exploiting religion for political advantage," Choudhary stated to IANS.

While leaders have generally embraced Bhagwat’s comments, they remain cautious, stressing the necessity for concrete steps to tackle societal divisions and uphold secular values.

Earlier on Thursday at an event in Pune, Bhagwat voiced his concerns regarding the resurgence of temple-mosque disputes nationwide, criticizing individuals who exploit such matters to position themselves as "leaders of Hindus".

"The Ram Temple was about faith, and Hindus desired its construction. However, creating disputes about new sites out of hatred is intolerable," he said, adding, "Some individuals believe they can establish themselves as leaders of Hindus by generating new controversies. How is this permissible?"

He further condemned acts of extremism and religious intolerance, affirming that such behaviors contradict India's cultural values. "Forceful actions and disrespect towards other religions are not part of our culture," Bhagwat asserted.