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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said while he does not sit on the selection committee, he will personally inquire about the delay in this conferment if the opportunity arose
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addresses a ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey’ lecture series marking the organisation’s centenary year, in Mumbai on February 8, 2026. (Image: @RSS/YT/PTI)
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday batted for the Bharat Ratna to be posthumously awarded to Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
Bhagwat said doing this will “increase the prestige” of the Bharat Ratna, which is India’s highest civilian award and is conferred in recognition of “exceptional service/performance of the highest order”.
Addressing an event in Mumbai titled ‘100 Years of Sangh Journey’, Bhagwat said conferring the Bharat Ratna on VD Savarkar will be an “honour for the award itself”. He said granting the country’s highest civilian recognition to the figure popularly known as ‘Veer’ Savarkar will increase the prestige and dignity of the award.
He said while he does not sit on the selection committee, he will personally inquire about the reasons for the delay in this conferment if the opportunity arose.
“I am not part of that committee, but if I meet someone, I will ask why it is being delayed. If Savarkar is given the Bharat Ratna, it will be an honour to the award itself, and its prestige will increase. Even without receiving any honour, he already rules the hearts of the people,” Bhagwat said.
His stance follows recurring political demands for the award from the BJP and Shiv Sena, who cite Savarkar’s contributions as a freedom fighter, social reformer, and writer. Conversely, the Congress has historically opposed such proposals labelling Savarkar a “traitor” due to the mercy petitions he submitted to British authorities during his incarceration.
‘NO REMOTE CONTROL’
Bhagwat explicitly dismissed allegations that the RSS exerts “remote control” over the BJP-led central government.
“We do not engage in backseat driving,” he said, adding that the government is solely managed by those who hold office.
He, however, reaffirmed that the RSS and its members remain committed to supporting the government whenever their assistance is required for national efforts. On the internal philosophy of the Sangh, he said the organisation focuses on instilling “sanskar“, or cultural values, rather than pursuing aggressive publicity.
“Excessive campaigning leads to publicity, which can breed arrogance. One must protect oneself from it. Publicity should be like rainfall: appropriate in timing and quantity,” he said, adding that the RSS has been expanding its outreach initiatives in recent times.
Regarding his personal future, the sarsanghchalak said his dedication to national service is a lifelong commitment that will persist even after he retires from his current post. “My work for the nation will continue even after retirement,” he added.
(With agency inputs)
February 08, 2026, 16:36 IST
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