Devendra Fadnavis Backs Mohan Bhagwat's Remarks on Tolerance in Nagpur

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis backed Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent remarks in the United States, calling tolerance the core soul of the Hindutva ideology.

The Chief Minister's comments came in response to Bhagwat's address in New York on Saturday, where the RSS chief stated that if any Hindu believes there should be no Muslims in Bharat, that person will not remain a Hindu. Bhagwat had also noted that being Hindu requires believing that all paths lead to the same goal and that every human being possesses dignity without distinction.

Fadnavis welcomed the remarks in Nagpur and stated that Hindu civilization has assimilated people coming to India due to its deep-rooted tolerance. He noted that the endurance of the civilization stems from keeping its core values strong while withstanding global invasions throughout history.

Fadnavis stated that while a counter-response is necessary if an attack occurs, a Hindu never initiates an attack. He further remarked that India has embraced individuals rejected elsewhere, asserting that tolerance runs in the blood of Hindus and represents a fundamental principle of Hindutva.

The RSS chief's remarks drew reactions from opposition parties. CPI General Secretary D Raja said on Sunday that Bhagwat should repeat the same statement within India if he is honest and truthful. Congress leader Rashid Alvi also questioned the need to deliver the message abroad, asking why there was a sudden need to discuss Hindu-Muslim relations in the United States if no underlying issues existed at home.