Shiv Sena (UBT) questions Mohan Bhagwat over unity message in US and polarisation in India

The Shiv Sena UBT on Monday criticised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat arguing that the organisations message of one humanity would lack credibility unless the principles articulated by its leadership abroad were reflected in Indias domestic social and political environmentIn an editorial published in the Shiv Sena UBTs mouthpiece Saamana the Uddhav Thackerayled party questioned Bhagwats 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 allThe editorial argued that Bhagwats statements in the United States differed sharply from what it described as the situation faced by minority communities in IndiaSaamana questions gap between Bhagwats remarks and domestic politicsThe editorial said Bhagwats language during his US visit appeared aimed at presenting a message consistent with democratic values and principles of coexistenceHowever it alleged that developments within India contradicted the position outlined by the RSS chiefThe 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 Bhagwats public remarks on HinduMuslim coexistenceEditorial cites Haldwani purification controversyThe Saamana editorial referred to the controversy surrounding an alleged purification ceremony held in Haldwani Uttarakhand following a public programme addressed by Congress president Mallikarjun KhargeThe 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 eventThe Shiv Sena UBT cited the episode as an example of what it described as a polarised political atmosphereSuch 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 wellParty raises questions over RSSs international messagingThe editorial also questioned what it described as the RSSs approach to international humanitarian crisesIt accused the organisation of remaining silent on major global developments including civilian casualties in Gaza and argued that its positions appeared influenced by geopolitical considerationsThe Shiv Sena UBT further criticised the ideological themes highlighted during Bhagwats 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 movementThe 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 templeThe 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 Krishnas ideas instead of Lord RamThe allegations in the editorial were not accompanied by evidence and no response from the RSS or the government was mentioned in the reportEditorial contrasts Bhagwats US visit with political developments at homeThe Shiv Sena UBT also drew a comparison between Bhagwats overseas outreach and Prime Minister Narendra Modis diplomatic engagementsWhile Modi was engaged in highlevel talks in Tashkent aimed at strengthening IndiaUzbekistan relations the editorial said Bhagwats US visit organised as part of the RSSs centenary outreach attracted demonstrations and political criticismThe party argued that the protests and scrutiny surrounding the visit reflected questions about the gap between the RSSs international messaging and political developments within IndiaThe 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 egoShiv Sena UBT calls for principles to be reflected in actionThe Saamana editorial said that messages of tolerance and unity delivered abroad should also be reflected in action within IndiaThe 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