RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat faces ire for ‘Hindustani’

New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat came under fire from non-BJP parties on Monday for his suggestion that all “Hindustanis” are Hindus. Much of the criticism was focused on whether he had read the Constitution and really believed in it.

Congress leader Manish Tewari said Mr Bhagwat would be well advised to read the Constitution, which specifically states “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States”, and the word “Hindustan” is nowhere mentioned.

CPM secretary Sitaram Yechury said Mr Bhagwat should “make it clear if he believes in the Constitution,” and told reporters: “In our Constitution, the country is Bharat, not Hindustan”. JD(U) president Sharad Yadav said India had come so far since Independence by keeping its faith in the Constitution. BSP chieftain Mayawati said Mr Bhagwat does not have “proper knowledge” of the Constitution.

“When Ambedkarji (Bhimrao Ambedkar) wrote the Constitution, he kept in mind that our country comprises various religions... so the name Bharat was given, the word Hindustan was not used. The RSS chief does not have proper knowledge of the Constitution. He should learn that, and then comment.”