Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday, October 24, voiced his concerns against what he referred to as “cultural Marxism”, denouncing it as a divisive and deceitful force. The modus-operandi of the ‘cultural Marxists’ involved taking control of the media and academia, and plunging education, culture, politics and social environment into confusion, chaos, and corruption, according to Bhagwat.
“Some of these destructive forces call themselves cultural Marxists or Woke. They claim to be working for some lofty goals but their real objectives are to disrupt all orderliness and morality, beneficence, culture, dignity, and restraint in the world,” he said addressing the annual Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Vijayadashami event in Nagpur.
Referring to the cultural Marxists as “anti-social people” he said that they have forgotten Marx.
The event commenced with an early morning 'Path Sanchalan' (route march) organised by RSS, with singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan as the chief guest. Notable leaders, including Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, were also present.
Speaking about the Manipur violence, the RSS Sarsanghchalak insinuated that “external forces” had a role in the conflict. “Were extremists across the border involved in Manipur violence? For many years Meitei and Kuki communities have been living together. How did the violence erupt all of a sudden? The conflict benefits external forces. Are external factors involved?”
“Manipur, which had been peaceful for almost a decade has suddenly seen mutual discord and conflict. Who has a vested interest in trying to disturb the atmosphere ? Which are the forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is taken for peace,” he said.
Alleging a conspiracy in the Manipur violence, he said, “Union Home Minister Amit Shah was there for three days. But who actually fuelled the conflict? It is not happening, it is being made to happen. It is not only about peace, it is also about uniting society.”
He claimed that the RSS volunteers promoted peace in Manipur by risking their lives.
Ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3 this year, and since then hundreds of people have died while thousands have been forced to take refuge in relief camps.
Asking sections of society to shed a sense of victimhood, Bhagwat said, “Sections of society will have to shed the sense of victimhood, stop looking at each other with suspicion and avoid manoeuvres for political dominance. Sadly, politics only becomes a hindrance in such noble initiatives. But when we call upon the people to shed their sense of victimhood, or ask them to shun mutual distrust, this is not a form of surrender or compulsion.”
“Those who wish for unity cannot insist that all problems should first end before we think about unity. We will have to work peacefully and with restraint, without getting distracted by the sporadic events happening here and there.”
Read: Explained: The many triggers behind the violence that erupted in parts of Manipur
Touching upon the forthcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Bhagwat announced, “A temple of Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya. Lord Ram (idol) will be installed at the temple on January 22. On that day, we can organise programs at our own temples in the whole country.”
Reflecting on India's hosting of the G20 Summit, Bhagwat praised the nation's growing global stature. He remarked, "Every year, India’s pride is increasing in the world… The G20 summit held here (in India) was special. The hospitality of Indians was praised. People from different countries experienced our diversity…They saw our diplomatic skills as well as our honest goodwill."
Referring to the 2024 general elections, the RSS chief urged citizens to vote with the unity, integrity, identity, and development of the country in mind. “Attempts to harvest votes by inflaming emotions are not desirable, but they still keep happening. Let us avoid these things, as they hurt the unity of the society. To cast a vote is the duty of every citizen, and we must follow it. Cast your vote keeping in mind the vital issues of unity, integrity, identity and development of the country,” he said.