Nationalists do not partake in meaningless discussions: RSS Mohan Bhagwat slams critics after Army statement

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday silenced his critics who questioned his remarks on the Indian Army, saying that nationalists do not care about controversies and do not part in meaningless discussions. “Instead, they carry out their nation-building duties without any expectations,” he said.

Speaking at a seven-day ‘Sangh Samagam’ in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency Varanasi, Bhagwat said that “nationalism of RSS is not linked with any government or political party”.

Even though the RSS had issued a clarification soon after the controversy erupted over Bhagawat’s remark on Army, it was for the first time that the RSS Chief himself spoke on the row that followed.

Bhagwat had arrived in the ‘City of Ghats’ on Thursday and has been interacting with swayamseavks and activists of RSS offshoots. On Sunday, he addressed a joint session of the Sangh Samagam at the Sampoornand Sankrit University. 

“We are nationalist and we do not answer to our critics. Instead we just concentrate to continue doing our good work to strengthen the country without any expectation from any corner,” he told swayamsevaks.

He pointed that as an organization, the RSS has been giving self-less service to the nation-building without expecting even a word of appreciation. “Those who are in RSS will never get a bouquet except for criticism. You continue the good work without paying any attention to your critics,” he said.

“We have to make India a strong nation in the world, a nation which is looked upon for guidance. Today, if anyone has to search for a good doctor abroad they rely on Indian doctors,” he pointed.

Earlier, under flak over its chief's reported remarks, the RSS clarified that Bhagwat had not compared the Indian Army with Sangh volunteers and his remarks on the matter were "misrepresented."

Bhagwat reportedly said, "Sangh will prepare military personnel within three days which the Army would do in 6-7 months. This is our capability."

"Swayamsewak will be ready to take on the front if the country faces such a situation and Constitution permits (to do so)."

Congress president Rahul Gandhi today criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his reported remark that the Sangh outfit could "prepare" military personnel faster than the Army, saying it was "absolutely wrong" and he should apologise for it.