Ready to step down if Sangh asks me to do so: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
PTC News Desk: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the organisation has asked him to continue working despite his age, but he will step down whenever the RSS asks him to do so. He also said that the RSS chief will always be a Hindu, regardless of caste, and the post is given to the most suitable person.
Bhagwat said the RSS does not follow community-based representation and volunteers move up based on their work and dedication. He added that the head of the RSS must be a Hindu, but caste is not a factor in choosing the leader.
“There is no election to the post of RSS chief. Regional and divisional heads appoint the chief. Generally, it is said that after turning 75, one should work without holding any post,” Bhagwat said.
He was responding to questions during an interactive session with attendees here at a programme to mark the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) centenary.
“I have completed 75 years and informed the RSS, but the organisation asked me to continue working. Whenever the RSS asks me to step down, I will do so, but retirement from work will never happen,” he said.
He explained that when the RSS was formed, most of its work started in a Brahmin-majority area, which is why many early members were Brahmins. This led to the organisation being labelled as Brahmin-dominated at that time.
Bhagwat said people usually expect organisations to have representation from their own communities. He added that he cannot say for sure whether a future RSS chief will come from the SC or ST community, as the decision is made by those responsible for selecting the leader. He said that if he had to choose, he would select the best available candidate.
- With inputs from agencies
