RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks on reservation, Ram mandir, caste system: Here's what he said

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat continued his deliberation on "Bhavishya Ka Bharat -- An RSS Perspective" on the last day of the Sangh's conclave. Answering wide-ranging questions on issues like inter-caste marriages, education as well as the caste system, Bhagwat said the caste system, as it is called, is not a system but a disorder and it has to end.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks at the event titled Future of Bharat: An RSS perspective, in New Delhi. PTI Photo

NEW DELHI: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat continued his deliberation on "Bhavishya Ka Bharat -- An RSS Perspective" on the third and the last day of the Sangh's conclave. He answered wide-ranging questions on issues like inter-caste marriages, education, cow protection, reservation as well as the caste system. Mohan Bhagwat on caste system Bhagwat said the caste system, as it is called, is not a system but a disorder and it has to end. He also said the RSS was not against inter-caste marriage and it was an issue of compatibility between a man and woman. The first intercaste marriage in Maharashtra took place in 1942 and congratulatory messages poured for them by Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Sri Guruji (MS Golwalkar). Guruji had then said 'you aren't getting married only due to physical attraction, you want to convey that everyone is equal'," Bhagwat said. "If a survey of inter-caste marriages is done, maybe you will find the maximum percentage of those being swayamsevaks from Sangh," he said. Mohan Bhagwat on Article 370 and 35-A of the Constitution Bhagwat said the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh does not accept Article 370 and 35-A of the Constitution which give special status to Jammu and Kashmir. He pitched for greater development of the state, saying it was essential to bring its people into the mainstream. Mohan Bhagwat on reservation Bhagwat said the RSS fully supports the provisions of reservation as mentioned in the constitution. He said it is upon those who have been given reservation to decide whether they want it anymore or not. Reservation is not a problem but politics on reservation is a problem. "RSS completely supports the reservation given by the constitution to remove social stigmas. The decision regarding reservation continuity has to be taken by those to whom reservation has been granted. Whenever they feel it is not necessary, they will decide," he said. Mohan Bhagwat on Cow protection Bhagwat pitched for protection of cows but disapproved of going against law in the name of such vigilantism. The Sangh head also said, "We have to reject the double-speak as there is no talk of violence by cow smugglers." He was replying to questions on cow vigilantism and mob lynching. It is a crime to take law in one's own hands, Bhagwat said on cow vigilantism and asserted there should be stringent punishment in such cases. The question came in the backdrop of instances of alleged lynching by cow vigilantes in several states. Mohan Bhagwat on English language Bhagwat said the Sangh was not opposed to any language, including English, but it should be given its proper place, suggesting it cannot replace an Indian language. "You should not be opposed to any language, including English, and it should not be removed," Bhagwat said while replying to written questions on the last day of the Sangh's three-day mega outreach conclave. He also said,"We have no enmity with English. We need proficient English speakers." Mohan Bhagwat on LGBTQ community Bhagwat said the LGBTQ community should not be isolated as they are part of society. But at the same time, gay rights is not the only pressing issue which should be debated.  Times are changing and society has to take a call on such issues, Bhagwat said. Mohan Bhagwat on Ram Mandir Bhagwat said the Ram Mandir should be built at the earliest. He also supported a dialogue on the issue but said a final decision rests with the Ram Mandir Samiti, which is spearheading the campaign for the construction of a Ram temple. Mohan Bhagwat on Uniform Civil Code Making a case for Uniform Civil Code and implementation of a uniform population policy, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said that people of one nation should be governed by a common law. "When people talk about Uniform Civil Code, they usually talk in the context of Hindus and Muslims. But that is not all. (When such a code is implemented) There will be change in customs of all communities including Hindus," he said. (With inputs from agencies)