RSS Says It Is Open To Dialogue Amid Protests During Mohan Bhagwat’s London Visit

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Friday said it was open to dialogue and welcomed differing views in a democracy, after civil society groups in the UK urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan to oppose an event involving RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.

RSS media in-charge Sunil Ambedkar said protests and criticism were part of democratic discourse and that the organisation was willing to engage with those seeking a dialogue.

“We are here for peace, integration, and oneness, and we are open to dialogue with everyone. There can be different voices in democracy,” Ambedkar said at a press conference in London.

Civil Society Groups Write To Sadiq Khan

Around 20 civil society organisations have written to Mayor Sadiq Khan, urging him to condemn Bhagwat’s proposed London event, similar to the stance taken by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The groups described the RSS in strongly critical terms and alleged that Bhagwat’s visit was part of a public outreach campaign backed by supporters in the UK.

The letter, signed by organisations including Hindus for Human Rights, UK-Indian Muslim Council, India Labour Solidarity and South Asia Solidarity Group, urged the authorities not to provide a venue for the proposed event.

RSS Says ‘Nothing To Hide’

Ambedkar said the RSS had no objection to people expressing opposing views and maintained that the organisation was prepared to explain its position openly.

“We are here to communicate what we are, what we think, how we think, and what our worldviews are. We are very much open, there’s nothing to hide,” he said.

“We expect a debate and exchange of thoughts. We’re open to the dialogue. Let them speak.”

Bhagwat is visiting London from September 2 to 7 as the final leg of his three-nation outreach tour marking the RSS centenary.

Bhagwat Addresses Gathering In New York

Earlier this week, Bhagwat addressed more than 5,000 people at the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Speaking about unity and diversity, he said the principle of Dharma was distinct from religion or worship and argued that unity and diversity were intrinsic to Bharat.

“For Bharat, both unity and diversity are in its DNA,” he said.