Tue Dec 24 08:42:18 UTC 2024: ## Religious Leaders Criticize Bhagwat’s Remarks on Temple-Mosque Issue
**New Delhi** – The recent statement by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on the sensitive temple-mosque issue has sparked criticism from prominent religious figures. The Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti (AKSS), a prominent organization of seers, condemned Bhagwat’s remarks, asserting that such matters should be decided by religious leaders, not the RSS.
AKSS general secretary Swami Jitendranand Saraswati stated that while Bhagwat has made similar statements in the past, the identification of 56 new potential temple sites demonstrates continued interest in these contentious issues. He highlighted that religious organizations often respond to public sentiment rather than political agendas. This sentiment was echoed by Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, who declared that the RSS should defer to spiritual leaders on religious matters.
Bhagwat, in a lecture last week, cautioned against individuals exploiting the Ayodhya Ram Temple construction to become “leaders of Hindus” by instigating such disputes. He advocated for an inclusive society, expressing concern over the continuous emergence of new controversies. He alluded to groups attempting to revive past dominance, emphasizing that India now operates under a constitutional framework with elected representatives.
However, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized Bhagwat’s appeal for harmony, suggesting it should be directed at the BJP to halt ongoing controversial mosque surveys. Yadav accused the RSS of being the BJP’s “underground ideology,” and called on Bhagwat to address the BJP directly to prevent further disputes. He further dismissed Bhagwat’s statements as politically motivated. The recent discovery of a purported old temple in Sambhal has further fueled the controversy.
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