Bhagwat urges self-reliance amid US tariff war, warns against "dependence turning into compulsion"
Nagpur: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday stressed the need for self-reliance and swadeshi initiatives, cautioning that India’s dependence on other nations should not become a compulsion.
Speaking at the 100th anniversary celebrations of the RSS on the occasion of Vijayadashami in Nagpur, Bhagwat remarked, “The new tariff policy implemented by the US was framed keeping in mind their own interests. But everyone is affected by such policies. The world functions on mutual dependence, yet no country can survive in complete isolation. This dependence must not turn into compulsion.”
He urged India to adopt self-reliance while maintaining friendly diplomatic relations, “with our wish and without compulsion.”
On the subject of public protests worldwide, Bhagwat said that governments disconnected from the people’s concerns invite unrest. “When policies are not made in people’s interests, they turn against the government. But violent protests have never achieved their objectives. Instead, such movements provide opportunities for external powers to play their games,” he cautioned.
Earlier, Bhagwat paid tribute to RSS founder K.B. Hedgewar. The event also saw the presence of former President Ram Nath Kovind as the chief guest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the occasion by publishing a blog praising the contributions of RSS volunteers.
The RSS, founded in 1925, completed 100 years this year.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
ALSO READ: Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa laid to rest with full state honours
Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
