RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s temple-mosque remarks face backlash from seers
Lucknow: The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (AKSS), an organisation representing seers, has criticised Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for his recent statement cautioning against the rising trend of individuals seeking to become Hindu leaders by stirring temple-mosque disputes.
Swami Jitendranand Saraswati, general secretary of AKSS, asserted that such religious matters should be decided by dharmacharyas (religious leaders) rather than the RSS, which he described as a cultural organisation. "When it comes to religion, decisions must rest with religious gurus. Whatever they decide will be accepted by the Sangh and VHP," he said.
Saraswati noted that despite similar remarks by Bhagwat in the past, disputes surrounding temple structures at 56 sites have surfaced, indicating persistent interest in such issues. He added that religious organisations typically respond to public sentiments rather than political agendas.
This dissent marks a rare challenge to Bhagwat from within the saffron ecosystem. Religious leaders like Jagadguru Rambhadracharya have also voiced their disapproval, suggesting that the RSS should defer to spiritual figures on matters of faith. Analysts believe this reflects an ongoing struggle within the Hindu religious community over the RSS's influence in religious affairs.
Bhagwat’s comments came in response to legal petitions filed by Hindu groups seeking the demolition of mosques allegedly built on temple sites, including the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. He warned that exploiting such disputes to gain leadership within the Hindu community only fosters communal division.
Rambhadracharya, however, challenged Bhagwat’s authority, stating, "Mohan Bhagwat is not our disciplinarian; we are." He cited the recent unrest in Sambhal, where a temple-mosque dispute led to violence and five deaths, as evidence of the need for judicial and democratic processes to address these conflicts.
"The truth is coming to light in favour of Hindus. We will secure our interests through courts, the ballot, and public support,” Rambhadracharya further stated.
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Two arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting woman at knifepoint in Kochi
Kochi (PTI): Two persons have been arrested after a three-member gang allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at knifepoint near Ernakulam Junction Railway station, officials said on Friday.
The arrested accused were identified as Danish (26), a native of Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district, and Rahul (39), a native of Paravoor in Kollam district.
Police officials said they were searching for the prime accused, Sanjay, a native of Aroor in Alappuzha district.
According to police, the incident occurred on the night of May 5 when the victim was chatting with her friend near a closed hotel near Ernakulam Junction Railway station.
Officials said the accused approached them, attacked the victim’s friend and then allegedly threatened the woman with a knife before sexually assaulting her.
Police said the accused also allegedly disrobed the victim during the attack.
However, the woman managed to escape from the spot and approached a nearby shop for help.
Police were informed immediately and shifted the victim to the police station.
Officials said the accused were heavily drunk at the time of the incident and went into hiding soon after the attack.
Police registered a case on May 6 under charges including rape, disrobing a woman, criminal intimidation and robbery.
The two accused were later arrested in the city, while efforts are continuing to trace Sanjay, police said.
The accused were produced before a court and remanded to judicial custody.
