Several seers and religious leaders of the Hindu community expressed strong disapproval of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent comments cautioning against raising temple-mosque disputes ”to gain prominence” as Hindu leaders. The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (AKSS) on Monday criticised Mohan Bhagwat, asserting that religious matters should be addressed by spiritual leaders rather than the RSS, which he claimed
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, general secretary of AKSS, stated that decisions on religious issues fall under the purview of “dharmacharyas” (religious leaders). He remarked, ”When it comes to religion, it is the religious gurus who should decide and their decisions will be accepted by the Sangh and the VHP.”
Jitendranand Saraswati also pointed out that despite Mohan Bhagwat’s similar statements in the past, temple structures have been identified at 56 new sites, highlighting the continued focus on such disputes.
Spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya criticised Bhagwat’s authority in religious matters, stating, ”He can lead an organisation, but he does not lead Hinduism. It is saints and seers who are responsible for Hinduism.” Rambhadracharya dismissed Bhagwat’s remarks as his personal opinion, asserting that the RSS chief does not represent the faith. He further clarified, ”Wherever ancient Hindu temples are verified, we will work to restore them. This is a part of cultural and religious preservation.”
Rambhadracharya also challenged Bhagwat’s leadership, stating, ”Mohan Bhagwat is not our disciplinarian; we are.” He called the recent developments in the mosque-temple disputes positive for Hindus and vowed to pursue restoration efforts through legal means, public support and democratic processes.
The RSS chief’s comments, warning against using temple-mosque disputes to create communal divides, have sparked significant dissent within the saffron ecosystem. Analysts view this backlash as indicative of a broader conflict within the Hindu religious community regarding the RSS’s role in spiritual matters.
The controversy follows legal petitions filed by Hindu groups seeking the demolition of mosques they claim were built on temple sites, including the Shahi Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal. Bhagwat’s statement marks a rare instance of open opposition from religious leaders, reflecting a deep divide over the RSS’s influence in religious affairs.
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