Religion-Based Reservation Not Acceptable, Was Never Part of Constitution: RSS's Hosabale
Aurangzeb, delimitation, Waqf to Hindutva and Ram Temple: RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale spoke on a variety of issues while addressing the media on the final day of the organisation’s three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Bengaluru
With reservation once again becoming the focus of political discourse and electoral narratives, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Sarkaryavah (General Secretary) Dattatreya Hosabale made the RSS’s stand unequivocally clear — the organisation would not accept any provision on “religion-based reservation".
The RSS general secretary spoke on a variety of issues while addressing the media on the final day of the organisation’s three-day Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), the most crucial meeting in the RSS structure.
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The meeting was held in Bengaluru and attended by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, along with all significant and senior RSS office-bearers and the heads of its affiliate organisations.
“Religion-based reservation is not acceptable. It was never a part of our Constitution. Reservation for economically backward classes, based on social and educational criteria, is both welcome and necessary for social justice," he said. “The Constitution makers, including Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, were very clear – reservation was meant for socially and educationally backward classes, not for religious groups," he said.
That principle continues to remain relevant today, and it is essential for ensuring social justice, he said. He further emphasised that any diversion from this principle creates imbalance and division in society. “We must focus on uplifting those who are backward by virtue of historical social disadvantages, irrespective of religion. That is the essence of our constitutional intent and our national ethos," he said.
AURANGZEB, THE TYRANT INVADER
Dattatreya Hosabale also addressed issues of historical distortion and misplaced glorification of ‘invaders’, reminding the audience that the country’s ethos has always rejected such figures as these historical figures tried to destroy culture and civilisational values.
“If someone today tries to draw inspiration from a tyrant invader (like Aurangzeb) who once destroyed the culture and society of Bharat, then that person, too, is no different from an invader in thought and intent," said Hosabale.
He said, “Bharat has faced centuries of invasions – not just of armies, but of our minds and our cultural confidence. There was a deliberate attempt to erase our traditions, distort our history, and break our spirit. Unfortunately, these distortions continue to influence thinking even today."
He pointed to glaring examples: “In Delhi, Aurangzeb Marg was renamed after Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – a reflection of Bharat’s true values. But I ask, why was Dara Shikoh, who symbolised wisdom, inclusiveness, and spiritual depth, never made an icon? Why were invaders and oppressors glorified, while the noble and enlightened voices within our own tradition were sidelined?"
‘DECOLONISATION’ OF MIND
He stressed that this battle is not just about names or symbols, but about reclaiming our mental space. “Mental decolonisation is a continuous process. We must free our minds, our institutions, and our discourse from colonial and distorted narratives. We must reconnect with our civilisational identity – one that is rooted in knowledge, harmony, strength, and unity."
“Our great leaders – from Bankim Chandra and Rabindranath Tagore to Madan Mohan Malviya and Mahatma Gandhi – all drew from this wellspring of national ethos. They never looked to foreign ideals to define Bharat. They drew strength from Bharat itself. Gandhi coined – Ram Rajya. Why? Today, it is our responsibility to do the same."
DELIMITATION AND WAQF ISSUES
On the Waqf issue, he pointed to growing awareness and public pushback. “We will watch government policy. But society has also come forward. In Karnataka, when Windsor Manor Hotel was declared Waqf property, farmers stood up and protested. This shows the awakening," he said.
About the debate over the proposed delimitation, he said, “We often see that people in politics make statements every day, many of which are part of the political discourse. On important matters such as delimitation, the Union Home Minister himself has spoken on record, and we trust that constitutional processes will guide these decisions in the interest of the nation."
RAM TEMPLE & HINDUTVA
Speaking of the Indian ethos, he said that it was important to understand that the Sangh had never set any rigid parameter or definition for it. The spirit of Bharat is inclusive, evolving, and deeply rooted in its cultural and spiritual heritage.
“The construction of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya is not the achievement of the RSS alone; it is the collective accomplishment of the larger Hindu society, reflecting centuries of faith, patience, and perseverance by millions of devotees," he said.
Speaking about the evolving confidence in Hindu society, he said, “Hindu is not a religious expression; it is a cultural identity. Organising Hindu society is an uphill task due to diversity, but a reawakening is happening."
“For a long time, pseudo-secularism and distortions made Hindus feel defeated. Now, they are confident. But corrections are needed. Untouchability must be abolished. Women must be respected and empowered. Thousands of intercaste marriages are happening, even among swayamsevaks," he added.
RSS’S CENTENARY YEAR
Elaborating on the centenary year, he said it was not a celebration, but a call for introspection and dedication. “The RSS has never celebrated silver or golden jubilees. We are a component of society itself – not apart from it. The centenary year is an opportunity to introspect, expand, and rededicate ourselves more meticulously and qualitatively to the cause of the nation and society," he said.
The Sangh has declared the current period a preparatory year for expansion and consolidation. Over the next few months – November, December, and January – a massive outreach drive will reach crores of households and lakhs of villages, distributing literature to inspire and educate.
“We want to reach every mandal and every Basti. Samaj (Intelligentsia) Sammelan and Hindu Sammelan will be organised, where prominent personalities will spread the message of harmony and social responsibility," he added. Additionally, Sadbhav Baithaks (goodwill meetings) will aim to foster social cohesion and unity. “There are different groups in society, but as a nation, we must stay united," he said.
The RSS has planned intellectual conclaves across districts and in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will address audiences. Discussions will centre around one nation, one culture, and how the Hindutva philosophy is a cultural, not religious, expression.
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