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.
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.
NDRF, SDRF teams continue efforts to rescue 3-yr-old girl from borewell in Rajasthan
Jaipur, Dec 24: Efforts to rescue a three-year-old girl who fell into a 150 feet deep borewell in Kotputli-Behror district of Rajasthan continued on Tuesday.
The girl, Chetna, fell into the borewell while playing in the agriculture farm of her father on Monday.
SHO Sarund Mohammad Imran said teams of NDRF and SDRF are trying to rescue the girl safely.
Senior Commandant of NDRF Yogesh Meena said, "After failing to safely pull out the girl from the borewell with a ring rod, efforts are being made to pull her out with another local equipment made of iron plate."
The girl's actions were captured on camera and an oxygen pipe was lowered into the borewell to supply oxygen.
Two weeks ago, a five-year-old child fell into a borewell in Dausa district. The rescue operation to rescue the child safely lasted for more than 55 hours. However, by the time he was pulled out, the child had lost the battle of life.
