[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Condemning violence in name of cow vigilantism, Bhagwat defened cow protection as being “beyond religion” and cow vigilantes or ‘Gau rakshaks’ as being wrongly accused of violence while saying, “It is reprehensible that some people have been killed allegedly by gau rakshaks.”

Amid a controversy over its performance, Narendra Modi government got an endorsement of its policies from the chief of BJP’s mother outfit, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, on Saturday.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, delivering the customary annual address on Vijayadashmi which is observed as the foundation day of the outfit, spoke approvingly of the government’s handling of economy, foreign affairs, defence and the standoff with China.

On the issue of cow vigilantism, which has drawn adverse comments from the Supreme Court, Bhagwat condemned violence and sought to defend cow protection as being “beyond religion” and cow vigilantes or ‘Gau rakshaks’ as being wrongly accused of violence.

Addressing a crowd which had gathered in Nagpur on the occasion of Vijay Dashami, Bhagwat said, “It is reprehensible that some people have been killed allegedly by gaurakshaks. In fact, violence of any form is. “

He said, “Cow smuggling has emerged as a serious issue in all states and especially, on the Bangladesh border. In such a scenario, activities of cow-protection and cow promotion become more valuable… After inquiries in the recent incidences of violence and atrocities, it has become amply clear that (gau rakshaks) were not involved in those acts of violence. On the contrary, many activists who were peacefully involved in cow protection were attacked and killed..”

“Cows are used more for their urine and dung than milk in our country. For a small farmer to progress, rearing of the cow is a must. Protecting cow and cow-based agriculture is directed by the Constitution. Rearing of the cow is not a matter of religion. I know many Muslims involved in rearing and protection of cows. Many Muslims have sacrificed their life for gau raksha,” News18 further quoted him as saying.

In his speech that touched upon a wide range of issues, Bhagwat also expressed his views on the immigration of huge number of helpless Rohingya Muslims in India. Calling them a security threat for the nation, Bhagwat claimed that the country is already facing problems with “illegal Bangladeshi migrants” and the Rohingya refugees are adding more drops in the troubled water.

Speaking to ANI, Bhagwat said, “Wo wahan se yahan kyun aaye hain? Wahan kyun nahi reh sake? (Why did they come to India from Myanmar? Why couldn’t they just stay there?)”

Over yesterday’s tragic incident of stampede near the Elphinstone railway station in Mumbai, Bhagwat, offering his condolences to the victims, said “We all empathise with the families of our brethren who have lost their lives and those who have got injured in yesterday’s incident at Mumbai.”

Other issues Mohan Bhagwat spoke about

On economy

Bhagwat said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had taken steps to improve the economic condition through programmes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra and agriculture insurance. “To control corruption, Central govt has taken various policy decisions, yet there is requirement of an integrated policy. Policy should address needs of industry, trade, agriculture and environment which will safeguard interests of all. The biggest contribution to our economy is made by the small, medium industries and self-employed business. Our economic policies should ensure that the needs of big businesses, small medium and micro are to be protected. The small, medium and micro business have to be strengthened because they give employment to many people,” Bhagwat said.

“The government should encourage people to adopting entrepreneurial skills and support them. This way we can ensure economic progress,” said Bhagwat, much like the government which has laid emphasis on skill development and asked people to go for self-employment rather than depending on government to provide jobs.

Counter-terrorism: Lauding Modi-government’s attempts to tackle cross-border firing and militant infiltration from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhagwat said, “Provocative actions and propaganda of separatists is been effectively controlled by curbing their illegal financial source,” he said. “Determination with which terrorist infiltration and firing from across the border is being dealt with is appreciated.”

Doklam issue: The RSS chief also praised the central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a strong stand on the Doklam issue and said, “Just see how bravely and with determination, we protected nation in Doklam without compromising pride.”

On Jammu & Kashmir: Bhagwat said, “The finances of anti-national elements were cut off and their relations with Pakistan were exposed. The government should make more such efforts to integrate Kashmiris with India.”

“Necessary constitutional amendments will have to be made and old provisions will have to be changed in that state. Only when the constitutional amendments are done, can the residents of Jammu and Kashmir be completely assimilated with the rest of India,” Bhagwat said

Over the refugee problems in Jammu and Kashmir, Bhagwat said, “Problems of permanent residents of the state who migrated from Pakistan occupied J&K in 1947 is still present. Problems of the people who were displaced from the Kashmir valley in 1990 are remaining as it is.”

Hitting out at Kerala & West Bengal government: Mohan Bhagwat also targeted the state governments of Kerala and Bengal, stating that the two states have not fulfilled their duties to control ‘Jihadist forces’. “You know situation in Kerala and Bengal. Jihadi forces active there. Although people are resisting, state governments are not fulfilling duty.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]