True Hinduism includes Muslims, says RSS chief Bhagwat in New York

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, made the remarks during an address in New York City, emphasizing an inclusive vision of Hindu philosophy and Indian nationhood. According to Bhagwat, the concept of Hindutva encompasses all religions and communities living within India, with Muslims forming an integral part of the national fabric.

Bhagwat contended that any individual claiming to be Hindu while simultaneously believing that Muslims have no place in Bharat fundamentally misunderstands the principles of Hinduism. He argued that such exclusionary ideology is incompatible with the true tenets of the faith, which he characterized as inherently pluralistic and accommodating.

The statement represents a significant articulation of the RSS leadership's position on religious coexistence within the Indian subcontinent. Bhagwat's remarks come amid ongoing national conversations about the relationship between Hindu nationalism, religious identity, and secularism in India.

The RSS chief's address underscores the organization's framing of Hindutva as a civilizational philosophy rather than a religious exclusionary doctrine, though the interpretation of these principles remains contested among different segments of Indian society and political observers.