UCC Must Unite, Not Divide; Will Step Down If Sangh Asks: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat

Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be framed by taking everyone into confidence and must not lead to differences in society.

Speaking during an interaction at an event marking the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Bhagwat said policy measures should promote consensus and unity.

Commenting on the recent India–US trade pact, he said international agreements involve give-and-take and should be win-win to ensure India does not suffer losses.

On the demand for conferring the Bharat Ratna on Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar, Bhagwat said the prestige of the award would increase if it were bestowed on Savarkar. He also said the “achche din” (good days) for the RSS were the result of the hard work of volunteers and commitment to ideological principles.

Addressing questions on his tenure, Bhagwat said the Sangh had asked him to continue working despite his age, but he would step down whenever the organisation directs him to do so.

“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,” he said.

“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,” Bhagwat added.

He further said the RSS does not have community-based representation, and volunteers rise through ranks based on their work, adding that the RSS chief has to be a Hindu, irrespective of caste. (PTI)