Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday hinted at the role of “external factors” behind the unrest in Manipur and said that the violence in the state was orchestrated. Bhagwat was speaking at the annual RSS Dussehra rally in Nagpur. “The Meitei and Kuki communities have co-existed for several years. They lived together. What happened suddenly? Why are they fighting each other? What prompted the violence? Who benefits from this violence? Are external factors responsible? Are extremist forces across the borders behind it?” the RSS chief said. “It (the violence) is not happening, it is being made to happen,” he added. Apart from the Manipur violence, Bhagwat spoke on a wide range of issues, including the opening of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in January next year, and urged people to exercise their franchise in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls by voting for those who have worked for the unity and development of the country. Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis were among the thousands who participated in the event. Singer Shankar Mahadevan was the chief guest. Saying the construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya was a proud moment, Bhagwat added, “The installation of the Ram Lalla idol will be done at the temple on January 22. Everybody cannot personally participate in the event as there will be security concerns and limitations. Yet, everybody can celebrate and organise the programme in their localities and temples. Gradually, over some time, everybody can visit the temple.” Bhagwat also gave a clarion call to people to exercise their vote thoughtfully. “Think calmly, with an open mind. Exercise your vote keeping in mind the unity, integrity, development and identity of the country. Give your vote to the best who have served and worked for national interest and people’s welfare,” he said. Bhagwat also took a dig at Communist leaders, saying, “Some people call themselves cultural Marxists. But, the point is, they have forgotten Marx.” Speaking about the country’s progress, he said, “India is progressing in all sectors. In terms of economic growth, its global rank is fifth. The world is reckoning India’s role.” He also spoke at length on women's empowerment, the G20 summit, environmental problems etc. Referring to the recurring natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, he said, “There is no need to worry about crisis. It is time to find solutions. Excess exploitation of natural resources will cause such problems but there are solutions too. Water security is a concern and all our rivers have to be protected,” he said.
