Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale.
Credit: PTI File Photo
Lucknow: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Saturday appeared to support Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s "baatenge to kaatenge’" (if Hindus are divided then they will be slaughtered) remark saying that this meant Hindus should not get divided on the basis of caste, language and religion, and needed to be united.
Speaking to reporters in Mathura after a two-day annual meeting of the RSS working committee, the Sangh sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosbole said that 'love jihad' (Muslim boys marrying Hindu girls under false pretences) was creating a problem in the society and that there was a need to 'protect' the Hindu ‘’daughters and sisters’’.
"Sangha has been working on the love jihad issue for 25 years... we have to save the Hindu girls... we saved 200 Hindu girls in Kerala but there are other problems also... whether the society will accept the rescued girls or not is a question," he said.
When asked to comment on Adityanath’s remark "baatenge to kaatenge", he said that it signified that Hindus need to be united. "Agar hum jati, bhasha, dharm, prant ke naam par bhedbhav karenge aur batenge to hum katenge" (If we are divided on the basis of caste, language, religion and state then we will be decimated), he said.
Hosbole, however, clarified that the remarks meant that "unity is essential and we have to bring it into practice... people understand it and are implementing it... it is important for Hindu unity and public welfare... there are forces which are working to divide the Hindus."
He also said that "religious conversion" is taking place at many places. ‘"There were attacks during Ganesh Puja and Durga Puja... we have to safeguard ourselves and at the same time maintain unity so that there is peace," he added.
The RSS leader, in reply to a question, said that the Sangh had no message to give to the BJP. "Ours is a public organisation... we have no differences with any one... we meet everyone... BJP, Congress... we only want that there to be no hatred in the society," he remarked.
Hosbole, when asked about the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, said that the Hindus should not 'flee' the country and remain there. "Hindus should be protected," he added.
The RSS leader stressed the need for enacting a law on the lines of Censor Board controlling the OTT platforms and said that the children needed to be safeguarded from its evil effects.
Hosbole said that the RSS expected the court to resolve the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi issue expeditiously. "Ayodhya issue was resolved... we should have faith in the courts," he added.
The RSS leader said that the Sangh worked for both Hindus and Muslims. "During the Wayanad landslides, the Sangh workers worked for both Hindu and Muslim families," he added.
Speaking at a function in Agra a few days back, Adityanath said that ‘’Bangladesh ki halat dekh rahen hain na... ek rahenge to nek rahenge... baatenge to kaatenge" (You must have seen the situation in Bangladesh, if you remain united, you will be safe; if you are divided then you will be slaughtered).
Prime minister Narendra Modi had also referred to Adityanath's remarks during a public meeting in Maharashtra.