31 August,2026 11:00 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Monday criticised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, arguing that the organisation's message of "one humanity" would lack credibility unless the principles articulated by its leadership abroad were reflected in India's domestic social and political environment.
In an editorial published in the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party questioned Bhagwat's recent remarks in New York, where the RSS chief referred to the idea of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and said that "if a Hindu feels that there should be no Muslims in India, then he is not a Hindu at all."
The editorial argued that Bhagwat's statements in the United States differed sharply from what it described as the situation faced by minority communities in India.
The editorial said Bhagwat's language during his US visit appeared aimed at presenting a message consistent with democratic values and principles of coexistence.
However, it alleged that developments within India contradicted the position outlined by the RSS chief.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) accused BJP leaders at the Centre and in several states of contributing to an environment of social and political polarisation. It claimed that actions and statements by some members of the ruling party were inconsistent with Bhagwat's public remarks on Hindu-Muslim coexistence.
The Saamana editorial referred to the controversy surrounding an alleged "purification ceremony" held in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, following a public programme addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.
The incident has already triggered a political dispute between the Congress and the BJP, with the Congress alleging caste discrimination and the BJP maintaining that the activity was linked to concerns over the condition of the venue and alleged slogans raised during the event.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) cited the episode as an example of what it described as a polarised political atmosphere.
"Such is the extreme nature of religion, caste, and inhumane behaviour within the BJP," the editorial stated. "Do these antics fit into the Krishna Consciousness articulated by Bhagwat in America? Come to India and speak a bit about this as well."
The editorial also questioned what it described as the RSS's approach to international humanitarian crises.
It accused the organisation of remaining silent on major global developments, including civilian casualties in Gaza, and argued that its positions appeared influenced by geopolitical considerations.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) further criticised the ideological themes highlighted during Bhagwat's US visit. It alleged that the RSS chief focused on the teachings of Lord Krishna rather than Lord Ram to avoid questions related to domestic politics and controversies associated with the Ram Temple movement.
The editorial claimed that the political value of the Ram Temple movement had diminished for the ruling establishment and made allegations of financial irregularities related to the construction of the Ayodhya temple.
"The Hindu community in America donated heavily for the construction of the Ram Temple, which was looted in Ayodhya. Neither PM Modi nor the Sarsanghchalak commented on this loot," the editorial alleged, adding that Bhagwat "escaped accountability on American soil by speaking about Krishna's ideas instead of Lord Ram".
The allegations in the editorial were not accompanied by evidence, and no response from the RSS or the government was mentioned in the report.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) also drew a comparison between Bhagwat's overseas outreach and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's diplomatic engagements.
While Modi was engaged in high-level talks in Tashkent aimed at strengthening India-Uzbekistan relations, the editorial said Bhagwat's US visit, organised as part of the RSS's centenary outreach, attracted demonstrations and political criticism.
The party argued that the protests and scrutiny surrounding the visit reflected questions about the gap between the RSS's international messaging and political developments within India.
The editorial concluded by referring to principles associated with the Bhagavad Gita, arguing that spiritual leadership should be reflected through selflessness, equanimity and the rejection of ego.
The Saamana editorial said that messages of tolerance and unity delivered abroad should also be reflected in action within India.
The party urged the RSS leadership to address social divisions and political polarisation at home with the same emphasis placed on harmony and coexistence during international engagements.
