Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday called for unity among Hindus citing the example of Bangladesh where, he said, for the first time, Hindus united and came out on roads to protect themselves.

Addressing the annual Vijayadashami program held at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, Bhagwat said what is happening in Bangladesh is also a learning for Hindus in India.

“What happened in our neighbouring Bangladesh? It might have some immediate reasons and those who are concerned will discuss it. But the underlying issue is the repeated atrocities against Hindus,” he said.

The RSS chief, condemning the violence against Hindus in the neighbouring country, said that as long as the radical nature of committing atrocities out of anger persists – not only Hindus, but all minorities will be in danger.

“If we are weak, we are inviting atrocity. Wherever we are, we need to be united and empowered and weakness is not an option,” he asserted.

Bhagwat expressed concern over a prevalent narrative in Bangladesh that portrays India as a threat, leading to discussions about aligning with Pakistan due to its nuclear capabilities in response to the perceived threat from India. He highlighted how a country that India actively supported during its formation is now fostering such a negative narrative against India.

Indicating the countries behind such discussions, the RSS chief underscored their desire to instigate similar conditions within India. This push is driven by a goal to impede India’s progress and is attributed to forces promoting ideas like “Deep State”, “Wokeism” and “Cultural Marxism”.

Regarding the threats posed by these ideologies, Bhagwat emphasised how they aim to dismantle cultural traditions by influencing key societal institutions like education, media, and intellectual discourse. This process involves subverting the values, beliefs, and thoughts of society under the guise of these ideologies.

He further explained the tactics of these groups, which involve creating divisions within society based on identity, needs, or grievances, leading to a sense of victimisation and discontent. By exploiting these fault lines through the education system, media, and other institutions, they manipulate segments of society, fostering aggression and distrust to establish their dominance, and perpetuating an environment of dissent and fear.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda on Saturday greeted members of the RSS on the occasion of its foundation day.  

In a post on X, Shah said since its inception, the organisation has been doing a remarkable job of protecting Indian culture and inculcating the ideas of patriotism in youth. Swayamsevak Sangh, a unique symbol of discipline and patriotism, added Shah.

Nadda said RSS is the world’s largest voluntary organization committed to inculcating the spirit of service to the motherland, upliftment of culture and the powerful thoughts of nation first in the minds of every person.

“The contribution of @RSSorg in spreading national ideas in the society and nurturing the ideas of service to Mother India is commendable,” Nadda said in a post on X.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur on Vijayadashami.

The Union Home Minister said RSS is empowering every section by accelerating the work of social service and through its educational efforts, creating patriots dedicated to the country’s welfare.

“On the one hand, RSS is empowering every section by accelerating the work of social service, and on the other hand, it is creating patriots dedicated to the country’s welfare through educational efforts,” the senior BJP leader said.

In another post on X, Shah also greeted the people of the country on the occasion of Vijayadashami. He said Vijayadashami is a symbol of the victory of ‘Dharma’ over ‘Adharma’ and truth over falsehood.

“This festival of Vijayadashami inspires everyone to eliminate the evils within themselves and follow the path of ‘Dharma’ and humanity. May Lord Shri Ram bless everyone. Jai Shri Ram,” he said in the message in Hindi.

Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja and commemorates Lord Ram’s victory over demon king Ravan.

In a separate message, Shah also paid tributes to BJP leader Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia on her birth anniversary. He said she was an epitome of simplicity and her courage and struggle during the Emergency played an important role in the restoration of democracy.

“The country will always remember Rajmata Scindiaji’s loyalty towards the country and her work for public welfare,” he said.

Scindia, who belonged to the Gwalior royal family, was a BJP vice-president and MP. She was born on October 12, 1919.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with senior BJP leaders and Chief Ministers of some other states, will attend the oath-taking ceremony of the new BJP government in Haryana’s Panchkula on October 17.

The oath-taking ceremony will be held at the Dusshera ground at 10 am in Panchkula Sector 5.

“The swearing-in ceremony of the Haryana government will be held on 17 October 2024 at 10:00 am at Dussehra Ground Sector 5 Panchkula. Senior leaders including Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Chief Ministers of other states will be present,” the party said in a statement on Saturday.

The BJP had indicated during the Assembly election that Nayab Singh Saini, who replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as Chief Minister of Haryana in March, would be its choice for the top post if the party won.

Speaking to the media, Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said, “The oath-taking ceremony (of Haryana CM) will be held on October 17 most probably. The oath-taking ceremony of the CM and other ministers will happen in Panchkula.”

 The BJP ended up with its best-ever haul of 48 seats, 11 more than the Congress. The JJP and AAP were decimated and the INLD managed to win just two seats.

On the party’s victory in the state, PM Modi had hailed Haryana BJP workers for the state’s hat-trick win. Addressing the party workers in New Delhi after securing a mandate in the Haryana Assembly elections, PM Modi had said the party’s victory in the state was an outcome of the hard work of party workers.

“Today in Haryana the guarantee of development has outweighed the sequence of lies. The people of Haryana have created a new history. To date, 13 elections have been held in Haryana, but this is the first time that a government which has completed two terms of 5 years each has got a chance for the third consecutive time in Haryana,” PM Modi said on October 8.