RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday, August 6, said that the grievances raised by students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak were genuine and cautioned against branding young protestors as "anti-national". His remarks come after weeks of police action against protesters and the eventual resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Defending the right to protest in a democracy, Bhagwat said the country's youth deserve dialogue because they represent the next generation.
Speaking at a Gen Z-led event in Mumbai, Bhagwat said the concerns voiced by students reflected larger shortcomings in the country's education system. His remarks come in the wake of nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations, during which protesters alleged police excesses and the Union government faced mounting criticism, culminating in Pradhan's resignation.
"I'm saying, if Gen Z is protesting, they're not anti-national. They're our own people. They're our next generation. With this sense of belonging, along with dialogue, I said a sense of belonging is needed. A relationship is needed," Bhagwat said.
Backing the concerns raised by the protesters, he added, "Whatever has happened, the grievance is genuine. There is a lot that needs to be done in Indian education; since it's not happening, it's being talked about."
Bhagwat described protest as a legitimate democratic tool when other avenues of communication fail. "Protest is also a form of dialogue. We are sitting here and talking; if things are understood this way, it's fine. Otherwise, there will be a debate between us. If you are in some difficulty, or I am in some difficulty, and it is in your hands or my hands to resolve it, and it's not happening, then I will shout," he said.
Drawing a contrast between generations, Bhagwat said today's youth were more willing to question authority than previous generations. "When we were at the age of Gen Z, the nature of our generation was such that we would accept what the elders said. We wouldn't question. Now Gen Z and Gen Alpha ask questions; they want logical answers," he said.
He went on to praise younger generations, saying, "I feel this new generation, Gen Z, Gen Alpha, they are more honest than our existing generation," adding that "an honest appeal for patriotism and service works in them."
When asked whether earlier engagement with students could have prevented the protests from escalating, Bhagwat said that mistakes had been made. "When something that shouldn't happen does happen, then there must be a mistake somewhere; that's why it happens. Whose it is, what it is, that's a different matter. But there has been a deficiency. It will be fixed, it should be done, that's what I believe," he said.
Emphasising democratic debate, Bhagwat said differing opinions were essential to arriving at the truth. “I won't say that Gen Z should not protest, but there are methods to how and what is to be done in a democracy. Those who drafted the Constitution, and the speeches of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, have indications on the same. This should be looked at," he said.
Bhagwat said student agitations should ultimately aim at reforming institutions rather than targeting individuals. "Agitation should not be against me or you, but for system correction," he said.
Questioned about allegations of lathi charges and pellet gun use against students during the protests, Bhagwat stopped short of commenting on the allegations, saying he did not have sufficient information. "I need to look into the reasons behind this situation; I don't have the complete information yet. I will have to examine the details to determine exactly where things went wrong. I cannot say right now what happened or how it happened – even I don't know what is right or wrong in this matter," he said.
Bhagwat was also asked about India's engagement with Pakistan and China during periods of conflict. He said citizens must stand firmly with the government and the armed forces during war or national security crises but that political and military conflicts should not permanently erase historical and civilisational ties.
"In times of conflict, we have to go with whatever our government and military do," he said.
Referring to India's neighbours, Bhagwat said, "You have given two examples, Pakistan and China. People in China say that for 2,000 years Bharat has given us values. Pakistan was part of Bharat not more than 100 years ago. These should not be forgotten. These ties cannot be severed. They can be put on hold till the conflict is there."
Calling permanent hostility counterproductive, he said, "Sometimes, after the resolution of conflict, we have to take up the thread from where we left it and continue. So permanent enmity, permanent hatred, is not the solution." He added that India's approach should not be one of "conquering or obliterating others" but one based on dialogue, stressing that "Humanity is one."
During the interaction, Bhagwat also reiterated the RSS's position on reservation, saying affirmative action must continue as long as social discrimination exists. Referring to BR Ambedkar's views, he said, "I will go with what Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar thought about reservation. If we honestly follow his advice, then there is no problem. Reservation exists due to social reasons. As long as there is social discrimination, reservation will continue."
He said there was a growing recognition among beneficiaries that reservation was intended as a means of upliftment rather than a permanent entitlement. "There is a stream of thought among those who receive reservations that it is meant for our upliftment. This is not a permanent measure. We have to take advantage of it, improve ourselves, and make it useful for others who have not yet received its benefits," he said, adding that "that mindset should be encouraged."
Bhagwat also criticised the politicisation of reservation, arguing that it had created divisions instead of promoting social harmony. "In reality, it was introduced as a measure for social unity. The measure itself is not wrong. But those who wield the sword are wielding it the wrong way, intentionally. Unless that is corrected, I don't see anything changing," he said.
On education, Bhagwat argued that learning should not be treated as a commercial activity and called for wider reforms. He said education should be accessible to everyone, fee structures needed review, teacher training should be strengthened, and public participation in school development should increase. He also backed the demand that 6% of the country's budget be allocated to education, expressing confidence that such reforms could be achieved through dialogue rather than protest.
Bhagwat also addressed questions on LGBTQ+ rights, saying members of the community were an integral part of society but opposing legal recognition of same-sex marriage in its present form. "LGBT or whatever, they are all part of the society to which we belong. And in our society, there is a tradition of accommodating them," he said.
He argued that marriage in the Indian tradition was centred on family and raising future generations. "Marriage in our tradition is not a convenience created for two people to live together. It is an institution created by a family. The next generation is trained within the family to become good citizens," he said.
Instead of changing the institution of marriage, Bhagwat suggested creating a separate legal framework for same-sex couples. "Not same-sex marriage, but how they can stay together, companionship, make a law for that. Society will accept that. That will ensure the smooth running of society in the future also," he said.
Bhagwat's remarks drew a sharp response from Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, who accused the RSS and the BJP of attempting to rebrand themselves without changing their ideology. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, "RSS & BJP are desperately updating their vocabulary, but unfortunately, it won't update their ideology. The truth remains the same, dividing people, misguiding youth and dressing up hatred in new packaging. Same Sangh, just different slang."