RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. (PTI Photo)
Betul: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressing a mega Hindu convention here on Wednesday said that Muslims are Muslims by Ibadat (religious faith) but by Aadat (habits) they are Hindus.
Bhagwat, who earlier visited Betul Central Jail for paying obeisance to RSS Ideologue M.S Golwalkar, said at the convention that everyone residing in India is a Hindu.
Bhagwat’s remarks come barely two days ahead of the first phase of polling in UP that takes place on February 11 and according to political analysts, could impact voting.
Stressing further on his comments, Bhagwat said that British reside in Britain, Americans in America and Hindus in Hindustan. Talking about Hindu religion, he said that we have 33 crore deities. Artists love Krishna, wrestlers revere Hanuman and tribals worship Lord Badadev.
“Muslims could pray to Allah but why can’t they take part in aarti. What is the issue if Muslims take part in bharat mata aarti.”
Bhagwat said that the world is filled with evil forces and we need to be united. Evil forces are harming Hindus so we should unite to fight them, so Hindu conventions are required.
Earlier in the day, Bhagwat went to Betul central jail and visited barrack number 1 where Golwalkar was lodged as an under trial. Paying tributes to the historical figure, Bhagwat spent some time there. According to RSS records, Golwalkar was kept in the jail from Feb 13, 1949 to July 13, 1949.
Congress has objected to Bhagwat’s jail visit. He does not hold constitutional post, so his entry to jail premises breaches the jail manual, said Congress spokesperson KK Mishra.