In a significant address aimed at clearing the air, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that it is a profound mistake to perceive the Sangh solely through its association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking in Kolkata on December 21, 2025, Bhagwat tackled what he described as widespread misconceptions about the organisation's core objectives.
Correcting the Narrative on RSS's Core Mission
Bhagwat emphasised that as the RSS expands its footprint across India, false narratives and misinformation are being propagated. He pointed out that a large section of the public remains unaware of the grassroots work undertaken by the RSS in societal organisation, cultural preservation, and community development.
The Sarsanghchalak clarified that the Sangh was fundamentally established to strengthen the fabric of Indian society, safeguard its timeless traditions, and foster holistic progress. He firmly stated that its founding principles were not driven by political motives. The organisation's work, he insisted, is rooted in social service and nation-building at the most basic levels.
The Ultimate Goal: Preparing India for Global Leadership
Moving beyond the immediate clarifications, Bhagwat outlined the broader, long-term vision of the RSS. He declared that the Sangh's ultimate aim is to prepare India to reclaim its historical position as a 'Vishwaguru' or a global guide. This vision, according to him, transcends political cycles and focuses on the civilisational and moral resurgence of the nation.
His speech in Kolkata served as a direct appeal to the public and commentators alike to look beyond the political lens. He urged them to engage with and understand the Sangh's multifaceted activities in education, self-reliance, and cultural continuity, which he believes are essential for India's journey towards that elevated global stature.
Context and Implications of the Clarification
This clarification comes at a time when the ideological parent organisation and its political progeny, the BJP, are often viewed interchangeably in public discourse. By making this distinction, Bhagwat seeks to anchor the RSS's identity in its original, apolitical social framework. The address underscores an effort to protect the organisation's core identity from being wholly defined by the political successes or controversies of the BJP.
Analysts see this as a strategic move to ensure the RSS's societal work remains distinct and continues to garner trust across diverse sections of Indian society, irrespective of political affiliations. The message from Kolkata is clear: the Sangh's project for India is a centuries-old cultural and social mission, not a contemporary political campaign.
