Mohan Bhagwat in New York: RSS Chief Says Politics Has Become a ‘Game of Self-Interest’, Explains What Hindutva Means for Muslims

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat delivered a wide-ranging message on humanity, religion, Hindutva and politics during his visit to New York, arguing that meaningful social change cannot be achieved through politics alone.

Speaking at the ‘Universal Oneness Celebrations’ at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, August 29, Bhagwat said the traditional Indian understanding is rooted in the unity of humanity, despite differences in faith, culture and ways of life.

One of his strongest observations came while discussing contemporary politics, which he described as a “game of self-interest.”

‘Politics has now become a game of self-interest’

Bhagwat referred to the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution after Independence but argued that those ideals are not being emphasised sufficiently in present-day public life.

“Politics has now become a game of self-interest,” Bhagwat said, while stressing that a society centred around “me and I” cannot find lasting solutions.

According to the RSS chief, the answer instead lies in the idea of “we and ours.”

He argued that lasting transformation must begin with society, rather than depending entirely on political institutions.

Bhagwat makes major statement on Muslims and Hindutva

During his address, Bhagwat also spoke about the meaning of Hindutva and its relationship with religious diversity.

Recalling a previous interaction with members of the Muslim community, Bhagwat said he had been asked whether the idea of a Hindu Rashtra meant Muslims would eventually be driven out of India.

His response was categorical.

He said that such thinking does not represent Hindutva, adding that if a Hindu believes Muslims should have no place in Bharat, that person would cease to remain Hindu in the true sense of the philosophy he was describing.

Bhagwat further argued that anyone identifying as Hindu must recognise the dignity of every human being and accept that different paths can ultimately lead towards the same truth.

‘Religions might be different, but humanity is one’

The RSS chief repeatedly returned to the idea of universal human unity during his address.

He said he was neither a religious scholar nor a religious authority, but came from a society that traditionally believes religions may differ while humanity remains one.

Bhagwat also observed that religions in the modern world are frequently identified through their rituals and disciplines. While acknowledging the importance of such practices within different faiths, he stressed the need to look beyond differences and recognise a shared humanity.

His remarks formed part of the broader theme of the New York programme, which focused on interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange and universal oneness.

Thousands gather for New York event

The invite-based Universal Oneness Celebrations was expected to draw more than 5,000 attendees, according to information released by the organisers.

The programme was organised by the American Hindus for Engagement and Dialogue (AHEAD) and coincided with Raksha Bandhan, with organisers presenting the festival as a symbol of bonds, unity and mutual responsibility.

The programme also featured cultural performances, music and artistic presentations, with more than 250 partner organisations associated with the event.

Members of the Indian diaspora gathered ahead of Bhagwat’s appearance, with supporters describing the event as an opportunity to discuss Hindu philosophy, pluralism and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the idea that the world is one family.

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Protests and political opposition surround Bhagwat’s visit

Bhagwat’s appearance in New York also attracted opposition.

Hindus for Human Rights and other organisations planned protests outside Madison Square Garden, criticising the RSS and its ideology.

Ahead of the gathering, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also expressed strong disagreement with the movement represented by the RSS, describing what he saw as an “exclusionary vision” as troubling.

However, Mamdani also acknowledged that the city government was unlikely to have jurisdiction to cancel a private event.

Meanwhile, the Hindu American Foundation (HAF) urged the New York mayor to ensure the safety and civil rights of people attending the programme while also calling on attendees to respect the rights of others to assemble, protest and express their views.

Bhagwat visits ISKCON during US tour

Before the Madison Square Garden programme, Bhagwat visited an ISKCON temple in New York as part of his ongoing international tour.

During the visit, he participated in a food distribution initiative for homeless people and praised ISKCON for spreading Krishna consciousness around the world.

The RSS chief is currently on an international outreach tour covering the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, coinciding with the organisation’s centenary year.

His New York address, however, placed the spotlight firmly on his message about the relationship between religion, society and politics.

By arguing that politics has become driven by self-interest, while simultaneously presenting his interpretation of Hindutva as inclusive of Muslims and other communities, Bhagwat used one of the RSS’s most prominent overseas events to outline his vision of social unity.