Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday (October 20, 2026) cautioned against politically motivated agitations and social divisions. He also warned that domestic unrest could be exploited by international forces seeking to weaken India adding that “its a wrong perception that problems get solved only through agitation.”
In his annual Vijayadashmi address which is also the foundation day of RSS, Mr. Bhagwat said protests are a natural consequence of social problems and administrative shortcomings, but stressed that agitations should aim to find solutions rather than deepen hostility or create divisions within society.
“Whether it is a section of society staging a protest, the government and administration taking action to maintain peace and order, or political leaders responding to the situation, our actions must not create discord, hostility, resentment or divisions within our united society,” he said.
Cautioning people that even if their emotions run high, they must ensure that their actions remain within the bounds of the Constitution and the law, he said that standards of civility and propriety that should govern speech, conduct and behaviour, even in the protests.
“We must remain vigilant to ensure that the temptation of electoral gains, cheap popularity or political advantage does not overpower our judgement and goodwill,” he said adding that “It is also not our experience that only the government can solve all of society’s problems, or that problems get solved only through agitations. Problems can also be solved through the activity of society and mutual dialogue,” he added.
Stating that when a protest becomes a political instrument driven by hostility towards a person, group or ideology, forces seeking to keep India subdued take advantage of the situation.
“Their modus operandi is to deepen differences and create divisions among people, foster a sense of victimhood in response to problems, and undermine public faith in the country’s institutions. This creates an atmosphere of conflict, intense discontent, alienation, disorder and chaos. Global powers seeking to keep India subdued also sometimes pursue their own agendas through such developments,” he added.
Mr Bhagwat’s statement came at a time when India is witnessing both political and youth-led protest demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar amid irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls
Mr Bhagwat said that people say situation will change with regime change but this has never happened in the past.
Three months ago, in July, a youth led protest at Jantar Mantar, born of anger over exam paper leaks, too hogged international limelight. The protestors demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Police met it with barricades, lathi-charge and tear gas but it concluded with Mr. Pradhan resigning soon after.
Warns of global forces exploiting divisions
Citing the recent tension in France and past instances in Nepal and Bangladesh, Mr. Bhagwat alleged that powerful forces were attempting to deepen social divisions and weaken India, as well as its expanded global influence.
“India’s progress, driven by its policies, leadership, national self-confidence and growing awareness of its international responsibilities, have made it an important competitor on the world stage,” he said.
According to him, forces opposed to India’s rise could exploit domestic grievances and support individuals or groups whose actions contribute to instability.
Stating that current generation needs proper guidance, Mr. Bhagwat said that values once passed down by family elders, schools and society are fading.
Seeking curb on OTT, he said that social media delivers unfiltered information to young people who often cannot tell right from wrong. Several countries, after suffering the consequences, have imposed curbs on these platforms.
“India also feels the need, especially for OTT platforms, and the government should consider it. But young people must also be taught discernment, he said, since its absence harms personal, family and social life and is driving youth worldwide toward drug addiction. Parents must pass on this discernment, youth must avoid addictive habits, and swayamsevaks will work for a nationwide resistance against drug abuse,” he added. Speaking on the controversy surrounding Vande Matram, he added that there should be no problem in singing Vande Mataram, as “it’s our national song.”
While concluding, Mr Bhagwat said India’s ambition to become a Vishwaguru (global guide), would depend on the conduct and contribution of its citizens. He called for balanced development, social responsibility, discipline and mutual respect. He argued that national progress required a society capable of preserving unity while accommodating diversity.
Published – October 20, 2026 09:59 am IST