Till discrimination exists...: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat backs reservations

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said that reservations should continue till discrimination exists in society, adding that the RSS organisation "completely supported the reservations provided in the Constitution".

Speaking at an event in Maharashtra's Nagpur, he said, "We kept our own fellow human beings behind in the social system. We did not care for them, and it continued for 2000 years. Until we provide them equality, some special remedies have to be there, and reservations is one of them. Hence, reservations have to continue till there is such discrimination. We at the RSS give all support to the reservations provided in the Constitution."

Bhagwat explained that for over 2000 years, certain sections of society had been neglected and left behind in the social system.

"If sections of society faced discrimination for 2000 years, why cannot we (those who did not face discrimination) accept some trouble for 200 more years," he added, as per news agency PTI.

He argued that until these communities are provided with equal opportunities, special measures like reservations are necessary.

Incidentally, Bhagwat's statement on reservations came at a time when the Maratha community's agitation for reservations had once again intensified.

RSS CHIEF ON 'AKHAND BHARAT'

The RSS chief also spoke about the concept of 'Akhand Bharat' or undivided India while replying to a student's question.

He expressed his belief that this vision will become a reality before the current young generation ages significantly. He suggested that those who separated from India in 1947 now regret their decision and wish to reunite with India.

At the event, Bhagwat also responded to a question about the claims that the RSS did not hoist the national flag at its headquarters in Nagpur's Mahal from 1950 till 2002.

Bhagwat said, "Every year on August 15 and January 26 we hoist the national flag, wherever we are. There is flag-hoisting at both our campuses in Mahal and Reshimbagh in Nagpur. People should not ask this question to us."