'Should Not Say You Have Become God': Did RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Take Sly Dig At PM Modi?

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, while speaking at an event in Pune, reflected on the nature of leadership and service.

He said, "Whether we will become God or not, people will decide. We should not proclaim that we have become God."

This comment is seen by many as an indirect dig at PM Narendra Modi, who in a TV interview during the Lok Sabha poll campaign had said, "God has sent me. I'm convinced that my energy is not biological".

The Opposition launched a scathing attack on him and BJP after the video clips of this went viral. Several memes on social media were created out of it as well.

Meanwhile, Bhagwat made these comments during a commemoration of the work of Shankar Dinkar Kane, also known as Bhaiyyaji, in Manipur in 1971.

Kane contributed towards children's education in Manipur, even bringing students to Maharashtra and arranging for their stay.

Bhagwat used the occasion to emphasise the importance of humility and perseverance in social work, saying, "Some people think that instead of being calm we should shine like lightning. But after lightning strikes, it becomes even darker than before. Therefore, workers should burn like diyas and shine when necessary."

Discussing the ongoing strife in Manipur, where over 200 people have died and 60,000 have been displaced due to inter-community conflict, Bhagwat acknowledged the difficulties on the ground: "The situation prevailing in Manipur is a difficult one. There is no guarantee of safety. The locals are doubtful about their security. For those who have gone there for business or social work, the situation is even more challenging."

Despite these challenges, he commended the steadfastness of RSS volunteers, stating, "But even in such conditions, the volunteers of the Sangh are firmly stationed, trying to pacify the situation."

Bhagwat highlighted the importance of their work, explaining that "NGOs cannot handle everything, but the Sangh is leaving no stone unturned in doing what it can. They are engaging in dialogue with all the parties involved in the conflict. As a result, they have gained their (people's) trust."