RSS Responds to Criticism Over Bhagwat’s UK, US Visits: ‘We Expect Debate, Let Them Speak’

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has said it is “open to dialogue with everyone” as protests over chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to the United Kingdom echoed demonstrations during his earlier trip to the United States.

Addressing a press briefing in London on Friday, RSS media head Sunil Ambedkar said differing opinions were a normal part of democracy and that the organisation welcomed debate and an exchange of ideas.

Bhagwat, who is on a three-nation tour, previously visited the United States and Canada and is now scheduled to address a gathering in the UK as part of the RSS’s centenary outreach programme.

Ambedkar’s remarks came in response to questions about a letter from 20 civil society organisations to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, urging the Greater London Authority to boycott events organised by the RSS.

RSS Responds to Criticism

Ambedkar said it was “very normal” for different voices to be raised in a democracy and reiterated the RSS’s willingness to engage in discussions.

“We are here for peace, integration, and oneness, and we are open to dialogue with everyone,” he said. “There can be different voices in democracy. I think it’s very normal to raise different voices.”

He added that the RSS was willing to engage with those who wanted to have a dialogue.

The civil society groups have also urged Khan to condemn Bhagwat’s visit, pointing to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s criticism of the RSS chief.

Responding to the issue, Ambedkar said people “from all sides” had already reacted to Mamdani’s position.

“We are here to communicate what we are, what we think, how we think, and what our worldviews are. We are very much open, there’s nothing to hide,” he said.

“We expect a debate and exchange of thoughts. We’re open to the dialogue. Let them speak,” Ambedkar added.

UK Groups Oppose Bhagwat Visit

In a letter to the UK Foreign Office, the organisations described Bhagwat’s visit as part of a public outreach effort backed by RSS allies in Britain, The Independent previously reported.

The groups described the RSS as “an authoritarian and militarist group which drew explicit inspiration from European fascism” and urged Khan not to provide a venue for the RSS-organised event.

The letter was signed by organisations including Hindus for Human Rights, the UK-Indian Muslim Council, India Labour Solidarity and the South Asia Solidarity Group.

The groups also sought information on measures being taken by the Metropolitan Police to protect communities during Bhagwat’s visit.

“The threats posed in Britain by the RSS are real, active and ongoing,” the letter said, according to the report. It alleged that Bhagwat’s visit could embolden RSS affiliates in the UK to promote hate speech, deepen divisions within the Indian diaspora and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation for vulnerable communities.