‘Demonic resolve’: RSS chief claims SIR protests are an attempt to destablise India

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on October 20 said those seeking “regime change” should look for solutions within the constitutional framework, citing upheavals in France, Albania, Nepal and Bangladesh as examples of political change that had failed to improve conditions in those countries. He added that that attempts to “destabilise India” would be thwarted.Bhagwat’s remarks come amid the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) movement demanding reforms in the electoral system and protests against the massive irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.Addressing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) annual Vijayadashami Utsav in Nagpur, Bhagwat said a storm had swept in from the West, driven by what he described as a “demonic resolve” to destroy values rooted in culture and humanity in India and across the world.“Even the so-called developed nations across the world are afflicted by this storm and find themselves helpless before it. However, over the past decades, Bharat has gradually carved out a place for itself in the world through its own strength and sound policies,” he said.He said India’s progress was driven by strong policies, leadership, national pride and a growing awareness of its responsibilities towards the world. He alleged that certain forces were attempting to create “instability” among nations and install their proxies in positions of influence to advance their interests.“As Bharat continues to progress in this manner, the designs of those forces that seek to create instability among the nations of the world and install their own proxies in positions of influence, so that they can serve as instruments for advancing their selfish interests, will be thwarted, and their operations will be shut down,” Bhagwat said.He claimed that these forces viewed India as a formidable competitor and a key target, and were working to dismantle the country, Hindu society and the RSS. He also accused some individuals and political leaders of supporting these efforts out of personal and political interests.Without directly naming the CJP, Bhagwat said agitations over shortcomings in the system should focus on finding solutions and must not create divisions in society.“In our vast society problems do exist. There are likely to be numerous shortcomings in the system as well. It is only natural that these may lead to agitations. However, such agitations should aim to provide solutions,” he said.He added that protesters, government officials and political leaders must ensure that their actions did not foster discord, resentment or divisions within society.“Even when emotions run high, our actions must remain within the bounds of our Constitution and the law, and our speech, conduct, and behaviour must always reflect the dignity and decorum of a civilised discourse,” he said.“We must be vigilant that the lure of votes, cheap popularity, or political gains does not overpower our prudence and goodwill,” he said.His remarks came days after senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan described protests in Delhi as a fight for “regime change”, triggering a political controversy.“The government alleges the opposition wants a regime change... We are currently fighting to ensure that elections are conducted properly. But if this kind of brutality continues, there will certainly be regime change,” Bhushan had said last week.The BJP criticised Bhushan’s remarks. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused unnamed groups of attempting to use young people to foment political unrest, while BJP national spokesperson CR Kesavan said the statement supported the party’s allegation that the protests against the Chief Election Commissioner were a “smokescreen” for an opposition effort to bring down the government.At the Vijayadashami event, Bhagwat also called for India to establish a new model of development that would not have adverse consequences for humanity. He said scientific and technological progress must go hand in hand with ecological protection and ethical considerations.He also emphasised the need to respect India’s diversity, including differences in religion, language and food habits.Citing recent floods in Nepal, Bhagwat warned that development without adequate attention to ecological concerns could have devastating consequences, particularly in the Himalayan region shared by India, Nepal and China.Referring to deaths in a stampede in Kolkata, he said the tragedy was the result of human failures, while the floods in Nepal were a natural disaster. He cautioned that development activities in the Himalayan region were creating problems and called for a balance between infrastructure growth and public safety.