RSS says it is 'open to dialogue' amid opposition to Mohan Bhagwat’s UK visit

Amid opposition from some civil society groups against RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s visit to the United Kingdom, the organisation has said that it was “open to dialogue” with everyone. The development comes days after Bhagwat’s visit to the US witnessed similar opposition.

Speaking to reporters in London on Friday (September 5), the media head of the RSS, Sunil Ambedkar, said that the organisation "expects a debate and exchange of thoughts". He further stated that people should have the freedom to express their views.

'Very normal to raise different voices'

"We are here for peace, integration, and oneness, and we are open to dialogue with everyone. There can be different voices in democracy. I think it's very normal to raise different voices. So we are here for the dialogue, and we are engaging those who wish to hold dialogue," said Ambedkar, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

Also Read: Bhagwat says India served world as ‘Vishwa Guru’, not ‘superpower’

Elaborating further, he said that people "from all sides" have already responded to New York mayor Zohran Mamdani’s remarks over Bhagwat’s visit to the US.

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

Civil groups write to London mayor

The remarks by the RSS spokesperson came after he was questioned about a letter sent by 20 civil society groups to London Mayor Sadiq Khan. The groups have urged the Greater London Authority to boycott events organised by the RSS.

Also Read: Bhagwat’s New York speech: RSS image makeover or genuine recalibration?

The organisations had also written to the UK's foreign office regarding Bhagwat's visit. The Independent had earlier reported that they described the trip as "part of a charm offensive of public outreach, supported by his allies in the UK".

Groups accuse RSS of fascist links

The groups also criticised the RSS in the letter, calling it “an authoritarian and militarist group which drew explicit inspiration from European fascism”. They asked Khan not to provide a venue for the event organised by the RSS.

Hindus for Human Rights, UK-Indian Muslim Council, India Labour Solidarity and South Asia Solidarity Group were among those that signed the letter. The organisations also asked for details about steps being taken by the Metropolitan Police to protect the communities.

“The threats posed in Britain by the RSS are real, active and ongoing. Mr Bhagwat’s visit will embolden RSS affiliates in the UK to promulgate hate speech, further polarise the Indian diaspora, and create an environment of fear and intimidation for vulnerable communities across the country,” the letter read, as per the report.