RSS Chief Does it Again, Says 'Hindutva is the Identity of Our Nation'

Mumbai: In comments that are likely to stir up another controversy, Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or the RSS, declared today that "Hindutva hamare rashtra ki pechaan hai" (Hindutva is the identity of our nation). (Also Read: South Indian Breakfast with 'Rakshasutras' for BJP Lawmakers)

Mr Bhagwat made the remark at a function in Mumbai to mark 50 years of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, another organisation that is part of the larger Sangh Parivar, which also includes the ruling BJP. (Also Read: RSS Not a Remote Control, Says its Chief Mohan Bhagwat)

Mr Bhagwat added, "Hindustan Hindu rashtra hai" (Hindustan is a country of Hindus).

The RSS chief had made similar comments last week, provoking a political storm.

At a function in Odisha's Cuttak, Mr Bhagwat had suggested that India is a Hindu state and "citizens of Hindustan should be known as Hindus". (Citizens of Hindustan = Hindus': RSS Chiefs Comment Sparks Outrage)

"The entire world recognises Indians as Hindus, therefore India is a Hindu state. The cultural identity of all Indians is Hindutva and the present inhabitants of the country are descendants of this great culture," he had said. (Also Read: RSS Chief Seems to Disagree With PM Modi)

Mr Bhagwat reportedly went on to add, "Hindustan Hindu rashtra hai." (Hindustan is a Hindu nation).

Several political parties had spoken out against his comments, reminding him that the Constitution used the name "Bharat" for India, not "Hindustan".

"Mr Bhagwat will be well-advised to read the Constitution. It is written that India is a country of combination of states. The word used by the framers of constitution was India or Bharat and not Hindustan. The RSS does not understand the reality," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari had said.