Mohan Bhagwat's Vijaya Dashmi speech: Key takeaways from the RSS chief's annual address

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday spoke on a wide range of issues at the organisation's headquarters in Nagpur.

The RSS is considered the ideological fountainhead of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and its chief's annual speech at Nagpur on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi or Dussehra sets the agenda for the organisation.

File image of Mohan Bhagwat. AFP

Some of Bhagwat's statements on certain issues were quite controversial. Here are the key takeaways from his speech:

'Many Muslims are also involved in gau raksha'

Bhagwat said that the issue of cow protection was beyond religion while condemning the death of people involved in cow protection. He said, "Cow smuggling has emerged as a serious issue in all states and especially, on the Bangladesh border. In such a scenario, activities of cow-protection and cow promotion become more valuable... After inquiries in the recent incidences of violence and atrocities, it has become amply clear that (gau rakshaks) were not involved in those acts of violence. On the contrary, many activists who were peacefully involved in cow protection were attacked and killed.."

"Cows are used more for their urine and dung than milk in our country. For a small farmer to progress, rearing of the cow is a must. Protecting cow and cow-based agriculture is directed by the Constitution. Rearing of the cow is not a matter of religion. I know many Muslims involved in rearing and protection of cows. Many Muslims have sacrificed their life for gau raksha," News18 further quoted him as saying.

'Rohingyas will put pressure on our jobs, pose threat to national security'

"We had not even completely solved problem of Bangladeshi intrusion when the problem of Myanmar has been heaped on us," ANI quoted Bhagwat as saying on the issue of the Rohingya crisis.

"Links between the Rohingya and jihadi elements are coming to light. If such elements come to India, they may have an impact on our security situation. Why do the Rohingya want to come to India? We need to study their background. They will not only put pressure on our jobs and resources but will pose a threat to nation's security," News18 further quoted him as saying.

If we let such ppl stay here, they will not only be a burden on employment but also pose threat to our national security: Mohan Bhagwat pic.twitter.com/qNhqq0OGVo

— ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2017

'Constitutional amendments needed for Kashmir'

Talking about the problems faced by refugees in Jammu and Kashmir and the Kashmiri Pandit migration in 1990, Bhagwat said, "The problem of refugees is still not resolved in the State. For decades together, some generations are living through this miserable state of being refugees for their decision to be in Bharat and remain as a Hindu. Despite being citizens of Bharat, they are still far away from the basic facilities of education, employment and democratic rights, and leading a backward life. This is happening just because the discriminatory provisions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir that denied them the fundamental rights."

"The problems of permanent residents of state who migrated from the Pakistan occupied Jammu-Kashmir in 1947 and the people who were displaced from the Kashmir valley in 1990 remain as they are." Bhagwat then went on to say that "necessary constitutional amendments" were needed to solve the problems in the Valley. "Necessary constitutional amendments will have to be made and old provisions will have to be changed. Then and then only can the residents of Jammu and Kashmir be completely assimilated with rest of Bharat," he said.

'Bengal, Kerala lending helping hand to anti-national forces'

Bhagwat said that in many states, "a dangerous game is being played by anti-national forces" which stimulates violence and hatred on the basis on language, religion, etc.

"The situation in Bengal and Kerala is known to all. The state governments and their systematically politicised administrative systems are not only apathetic to this serious national crisis but are also lending a helping hand to the anti-national forces for petty political interests. Information pertaining to all these anti-national activities reaches the union government and administration and they must be taking necessary steps to foil these nefarious designs. But, cross-border smuggling, including that of cow, continue to be a matter of concern," he said.

'Economic advisers have to come out of the same old economic "isms"'

The RSS chief said that an integrated policy was needed for fast economic development.

"It is also universally being recognised that all these policies and standards need a rethinking and nation-specific unique models of development should evolve."

"Our Niti Ayog and economic advisers of the States will have to come out of the same old economic ‘isms’, and will have to integrate the most up-to-date economic experiences with the ground reality of our nation. This process will have to systematically consider the national ideals, traditions, needs and resources together. People will also have to relentlessly insist on buying swadeshi products while fulfilling their day-to-day needs and making other purchases," Bhagwat said.

On the Blue Whale challenge

"Isn’t our media, especially the internet media, impacting our thinking and actions? The game of Blue Whale is a classic example of this. To save our innocent kids from these vicious circles, family, society and governments will have to take effective steps," said the RSS chief.

On the Mumbai Elphinstone Road stampede

Deeply saddened by incident which occurred y'day. My condolences to families of those who lost their lives: Mohan Bhagwat #MumbaiStampedepic.twitter.com/dxnJTARMpm — ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2017