Nagpur: On Monday, June 10, a day after Narendra Modi’s government was sworn in for the third consecutive term, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed a gathering in Nagpur, voicing critical concerns about the recent Lok Sabha elections. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the RSS’s ‘Karyakarta Vikas Varg-II’ held at Dr. Hedgewar Smriti Bhavan campus in Reshimbagh, Bhagwat reflected on the ethical conduct of the elections and the environmental issues facing the country.
Bhagwat highlighted the misuse of advanced technology to spread misinformation during the election campaign. He noted that this practice undermined the integrity of the democratic process. “Elections are an essential process of democracy, involving competition between parties. However, this competition should maintain a certain dignity,” he remarked. Bhagwat condemned the use of lies in campaign strategies, emphasizing that elected officials are chosen to govern the country through consensus, not conflict.
He criticized both the government and the opposition for their divisive rhetoric during the campaign, which, he argued, created societal rifts. “The manner in which the government and the opposition criticized each other and conducted their campaigns ignored the impact on societal unity. Organizations like RSS were also unnecessarily dragged into this,” Bhagwat added.
The RSS chief expressed his disappointment with the portrayal of falsehoods using advanced technology during the elections, questioning how the country could progress under such conditions. He urged for a more respectful engagement with the opposition, stating, “The opposition should not be viewed merely as adversaries; their perspectives need to be heard. There is dignity in contesting elections, and maintaining this dignity is crucial as our nation faces ongoing challenges.”
In addition to his commentary on the elections, Bhagwat voiced his concerns about the environmental crises, particularly the rising temperatures and water scarcity. He highlighted the severe heat experienced across the country, including at hill stations, and the water crisis in Bengaluru. “This year has been hotter than any previous year. We are witnessing a climate crisis worldwide, with news of melting glaciers and extreme weather events. Even India, known for its environmentally friendly cultural practices, is facing this crisis due to an incomplete developmental vision,” he stated.
Bhagwat called for a shift in the developmental approach, emphasizing India’s need to lead by example in sustainable development. “We must create our own path to development. We are not conquerors of nature but a part of it. Our development parameters should reflect this understanding,” he concluded.
His remarks underscore the importance of ethical conduct in elections and the urgent need to address environmental issues through a balanced and sustainable approach to development.
