BJP backs Bhagwat’s ‘Hindu Rashtra’ remarks; Opposition cites supremacy of Constitution

New Delhi: The BJP on Monday strongly endorsed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s description of India as a “Hindu Rashtra” and his remarks on “Islamic extremism” in West Bengal, drawing sharp pushback from Opposition leaders who asserted that the country is governed by the Constitution, not ideological labels.

Addressing a gathering on Sunday, Bhagwat had declared that India is a “Hindu nation” and required no constitutional sanction for that status, calling it a “truth”. He also questioned suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir’s announcement to build a Babri Masjid-like mosque in West Bengal, alleging the move was aimed at wooing voters, and said government funds should never be used to construct religious places.

BJP spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo backed Bhagwat’s comments on West Bengal, citing recent developments in Murshidabad over the proposed construction of a Babri Masjid-style mosque.

“The entire West Bengal government called Maulanas there and afterwards, a large gathering was held where it was stated that we will build the Babri Masjid here. This is being done solely by the Trinamool Congress to appease the Muslim community, which is an insult to the Sanatanis,” he told IANS, adding that the MLA’s suspension without arrest indicated “collusion” between the state government and the legislator.

BJP MLA Ram Kadam also supported Bhagwat’s intervention and stressed Hindu unity, alleging that Hindus in West Bengal had faced “harassment and oppression” under the Mamata Banerjee government and accusing those invoking Babri Masjid of doing so only for political gain.

Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande echoed the call for Hindu consolidation, saying that in view of present threats, Hindus should not remain divided on caste lines and must stay united.

Opposition parties, however, criticised the “Hindu Rashtra” formulation and underlined that India’s polity is anchored in the Constitution.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad asked what kind of “Hindu nation” the RSS chief was advocating when top constitutional posts are already held by Hindus, including the President, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India. He pointed out that leaders across the ruling and Opposition parties, as well as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, are Hindus, questioning the criteria being used to define “Hindu Rashtra”.

Prasad said the country functions through the Constitution drafted under B.R. Ambedkar’s leadership, which guarantees equal rights to all communities, and urged Bhagwat to clarify whether his vision of a “Hindu Rashtra” adheres to those constitutional values.

(Inputs from IANS)