RSS Chief Bhagwat Calls for Consensus on UCC, Says Law Must Not Divide Society

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that any move toward implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) must be preceded by broad-based consultations and social consensus , cautioning that such a law should not create divisions within society. He made the remarks during an interaction held as part of the RSS centenary observances .

The Uniform Civil Code proposes a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage , divorce , inheritance and adoption for all citizens, replacing religion-specific personal laws. Though included in the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Constitution, the UCC has long been debated politically and socially. Bhagwat stressed that the law must be framed only after discussions with all stakeholders. Referring to Uttarakhand, he said the state government sought nearly three lakh public suggestions and held extensive consultations before enacting its legislation.

Addressing concerns around majority and minority identities, Bhagwat said society should not be viewed through such distinctions and emphasised dialogue and trust , including engagement with Muslim and Christian communities. On religion, he argued that spirituality was essential to prevent faith from becoming aggressive, adding that the core teachings of religions emphasise peace and moral conduct.

Bhagwat also commented on other issues, including support for conferring the Bharat Ratna on V. D. Savarkar , and rejected the notion that the RSS’s growth was tied to the BJP’s rise to power. He said the organisation’s expansion stemmed from decades of volunteer work and ideological commitment , and denied that the RSS exerted political pressure on governments. On the India–US trade pact, he noted that global agreements involve mutual give and take and should ensure balanced outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party – Telangana unit endorsed Bhagwat’s recent remarks on cultural identity and “Hindu unity.” State BJP president N. Ramchander Rao said the comments reflected a civilisational perspective rather than a political agenda. Speaking in Hyderabad, he described “Hindu” as a cultural identity and way of life that historically enabled coexistence.

Bhagwat, at a separate event in Mumbai, clarified that “Hindu Rashtra” referred to a cultural vision rooted in service and harmony, not a theocratic demand. The remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with supporters citing cultural affirmation and critics underlining constitutional secularism and equal citizenship.