'Let them speak, we’re open to dialogue’: RSS on critics of Mohan Bhagwat’s UK trip
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is visiting the UK as part of a centenary outreach tour, facing protests from civil rights groups and scrutiny from local politicians. The organization has dismissed allegations of involvement in past UK civil unrest, framing the visit as a mission for dialogue and cultural exchange.
Why it matters
The visit highlights the ongoing international debate regarding the influence of the RSS and the ideological tensions surrounding Hindutva in the Indian diaspora.
LONDON: The RSS shrugged off criticism by civil groups of its chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat’s UK trip, saying in a democracy differences of opinions are expected and “should not be taken as a shock”.The RSS head arrived in London on Sept 2 on the final leg of his three-city outreach RSS centenary tour, having just visited New York and Toronto on a “dialogue mission.”Hindus for Human Rights UK and several other campaign groups wrote an open letter to London mayor Sadiq Khan asking him to condemn the visit, pointing out New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani had done that.Labour PIO MP Nadia Whittome tabled a written parliamentary question asking the home office whether “the visit engages the commitment to block hate preachers and extremists from entering the UK”.“We are here for peace, integration and oneness and we are open for dialogue with everyone.
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