NEW DELHI: All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi on Monday criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on India being a Hindu Rashtra, saying the idea went against the Constitution and the country’s democratic character. Responding to Bhagwat’s statement that India is a Hindu Rashtra and that the Constitution’s preamble reflects this., Rashidi said, “…He does not know that a Hindu rashtra can only be a slogan. Those who are singing the praises of the Hindu nation want to crush the constitution. India is not of one religion but of 140 crore residents. If there is a Hindu kingdom, then the constitution of India will die. We see that all the Islamic countries, where the principles of the Quran are followed, are not democratic countries. It has become a religious country..”Reacting to Bhagwat’s view that the culture of the majority should be respected and not opposed, Rashidi questioned how can Hindus who are in majority be threatened terming the assertion “laughable.” “In Dubai there are 8 per cent Hindu, 5 per cent Hindu in Oman, 15 per cent in Saudi Arabia they are all safe. Here you’ve 80 per cent Hindus; majority and they are not safe? It is laughable, and you’re saying that in a country where from PM to peon is a Hindu. All the judges are Hindu, IAS, IPS are Hindu and still the 80 per cent Hindus are in danger,” he added. He alleged that fanning insecurity among the majority community was politically motivated and purely oriented for vote bank politics. “Telling Hindus that they are in danger is just the politics of the vote bank, it has nothing to do with the constitution,” he said, adding, “I believe that RSS is a big organisation. Its leaders should talk very thoughtfully. The contradictions in his remarks are glaring,” he said. Rashidi further also referred to Bhagwat’s earlier comments acknowledging the historical and continuing presence of Muslims in India, and then contradicting them saying, he is the chief of a big organisation like RSS he should make comments after thorough thinking. “On one hand he says there is no India without Muslims. Muslims were always there, are and will always be, then he says everybody living here is a Hindu, they don’t consider them Muslims …”Warning of constitutional consequences, if India were to be a Hindu rastra he said, “The day this country becomes a Hindu rashtra, that day the constitution will be over, then Manusmriti will be implemented and then whatever is told in it will happen with Dalits and other religions …”Earlier on Sunday Mohan Bhagwat speaking at Kolkata Vyakhyanmala, a session to celebrate the centenary of RSS, said seeing RSS through the lens of BJP is a big mistake. He further added, “There are people who spread wrong narratives about the Sangh. Interpretation of the Sangh should be objective and not through secondary sources. The goal of the Sangh is organisation of the entire Hindu society, but it is not aimed at opposing others…If you see that Sangh is anti-Muslim, you can make (that) your opinion. But change your opinion if you don’t find that.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRussia Calls For Reduced Bangladesh-India Tensions, Recalls 1971 WarNew Video Reveals Final Moments of Hindu Man Dipu Before Lynching in BangladeshIndians Trapped By H-1B Renewal Chaos As US VP JD Vance Defends Visa Curbs As Christian PoliticsEx-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir Launches New Party, Targets Mamata Banerjee Ahead of PollsMuhammad Yunus Interim Rule Sparks Alarm, Indian Diplomats Back Hasina On Anti India Narrative ShiftYogi Adityanath Says Vande Mataram Became Victim of Congress Appeasement PoliticsNew Zealand India FTA Sparks Coalition Rift As PM Christopher Luxon Backs Deal, NZ First Rejects ItGujarat Student Says He Was Forced To Fight For Russia As Indians Remain Trapped Ukraine War CrisisPTI Leaders Hold Massive Protest in Peshawar Against Imran Khan’s 17-Year Jail SentenceBangladesh Turmoil: Another Youth Leader Shot In Head Days After Osman Hadi’s Killing123Photostories5 parenting lessons 2025 taught us8 traditional ragi dishes that have stood the test of time and why they are a winter must haveWhat is the “golden pyramid of fat loss” and why do people mostly start at the wrong levelBaby boy names that means positivityHow to grow healthy papaya tree from seeds in pots in your balconyShin Min-Ah weds Kim Woo-Bin: Shin Min-Ah stuns in the most stunning bridal gown ever! 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NEW DELHI: All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi on Monday criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on India being a Hindu Rashtra, saying the idea went against the Constitution and the country’s democratic character. Responding to Bhagwat’s statement that India is a Hindu Rashtra and that the Constitution’s preamble reflects this., Rashidi said, “…He does not know that a Hindu rashtra can only be a slogan. Those who are singing the praises of the Hindu nation want to crush the constitution. India is not of one religion but of 140 crore residents. If there is a Hindu kingdom, then the constitution of India will die. We see that all the Islamic countries, where the principles of the Quran are followed, are not democratic countries. It has become a religious country..”Reacting to Bhagwat’s view that the culture of the majority should be respected and not opposed, Rashidi questioned how can Hindus who are in majority be threatened terming the assertion “laughable.” “In Dubai there are 8 per cent Hindu, 5 per cent Hindu in Oman, 15 per cent in Saudi Arabia they are all safe. Here you’ve 80 per cent Hindus; majority and they are not safe? It is laughable, and you’re saying that in a country where from PM to peon is a Hindu. All the judges are Hindu, IAS, IPS are Hindu and still the 80 per cent Hindus are in danger,” he added. He alleged that fanning insecurity among the majority community was politically motivated and purely oriented for vote bank politics. “Telling Hindus that they are in danger is just the politics of the vote bank, it has nothing to do with the constitution,” he said, adding, “I believe that RSS is a big organisation. Its leaders should talk very thoughtfully. The contradictions in his remarks are glaring,” he said. Rashidi further also referred to Bhagwat’s earlier comments acknowledging the historical and continuing presence of Muslims in India, and then contradicting them saying, he is the chief of a big organisation like RSS he should make comments after thorough thinking. “On one hand he says there is no India without Muslims. Muslims were always there, are and will always be, then he says everybody living here is a Hindu, they don’t consider them Muslims ...”Warning of constitutional consequences, if India were to be a Hindu rastra he said, “The day this country becomes a Hindu rashtra, that day the constitution will be over, then Manusmriti will be implemented and then whatever is told in it will happen with Dalits and other religions …”Earlier on Sunday Mohan Bhagwat speaking at Kolkata Vyakhyanmala, a session to celebrate the centenary of RSS, said seeing RSS through the lens of BJP is a big mistake. He further added, “There are people who spread wrong narratives about the Sangh. Interpretation of the Sangh should be objective and not through secondary sources. The goal of the Sangh is organisation of the entire Hindu society, but it is not aimed at opposing others…If you see that Sangh is anti-Muslim, you can make (that) your opinion. But change your opinion if you don’t find that.”
