'We Are Open To Dialogue': RSS On Protests Over Mohan Bhagwat's Tour In UK

News india 'We Are Open To Dialogue': RSS On Protests Over Mohan Bhagwat's Tour In UK

'We Are Open To Dialogue': RSS On Protests Over Mohan Bhagwat's Tour In UK

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Last Updated: September 05, 2026, 10:13 IST

Mohan Bhagwat is currently visiting London, United Kingdom, from September 2 to September 7, 2026, as the final leg of his three-nation centenary outreach tour

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RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat (File image)

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) asserted Friday that it is “open to dialogue", adding that people should be free to express their views after its chief Mohan Bhagwat’s tour to London saw similar protests to those in the United States.

Mohan Bhagwat is currently visiting London, United Kingdom, from September 2 to September 7, 2026, as the final leg of his three-nation centenary outreach tour.

When asked about civil society groups’ letter to London Mayor Sadiq Khan that urged the Greater London Authority to boycott events organised by the RSS, Sunil Ambedkar –– the media in-charge of the organisation –– said that it was “very normal" to raise different voices.

“We are here for peace, integration, and oneness, and we are open to dialogue with everyone. There can be different voices in democracy. I think it’s very normal to raise different voices. So we are here for the dialogue, and we are engaging those who wish to hold dialogue," said Ambedkar at a press conference in London.

20 civil society groups wrote to Mayor Sadiq Khan, urging him to condemn Bhagwat’s proposed event in London as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani did.

Ambedkar stressed that there is “nothing to hide", adding the RSS is willing to communicate its thoughts with openness.

“We are here to communicate what we are, what we think, how we think, and what our worldviews are. We are very much open, there’s nothing to hide," he said.

“We expect a debate and exchange of thoughts. We’re open to the dialogue. Let them speak".

UK Groups’ Letter To London Mayor

In a letter addressed to the UK’s Foreign Office, the organisations claimed Bhagwat’s visit was “part of a charm offensive of public outreach, supported by his allies in the UK", The Independent had reported.

Describing the RSS as “an authoritarian and militarist group which drew explicit inspiration from European fascism", the groups urged the mayor to refuse to offer to condemn the proposed event and decline to offer a venue for the same.

The letter was signed by Hindus for Human Rights, UK-Indian Muslim Council, India Labour Solidarity and South Asia Solidarity Group, and other organisations.

Mohan Bhagwat’s Event In New York

On Sunday, Mohan Bhagwat addressed more than 5,000 people at the ‘Universal Oneness Celebration’ at Madison Square Garden, pitching the ideas of unity, diversity, and dharma.

“The sustaining principle that we call Dharma. Dharma is not religion. It is not worship. It is beyond all this", he had said.

“For Bharat, both unity and diversity are in its DNA".

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Quick Answers Powered by Ask News18 When is Mohan Bhagwat visiting London for his centenary outreach tour? Mohan Bhagwat is visiting London, United Kingdom, from September 2 to September 7, 2026, as the final leg of his three-nation centenary outreach tour. Why are civil society groups protesting Mohan Bhagwat's visit to London? Civil society groups, including Hindus for Human Rights and the UK-Indian Muslim Council, are protesting Mohan Bhagwat's visit, describing the RSS as an "authoritarian and militarist group which drew explicit inspiration from European fascism." They urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan to condemn the event. What was the RSS's response to the protests against Mohan Bhagwat's UK tour? The RSS stated it is "open to dialogue" and that people should be free to express their views. Sunil Ambedkar, the media in-charge, said it was "very normal" to raise different voices and that the RSS is willing to communicate its thoughts with openness. Powered by Ask News18

About the Author Meemansa Shekhawat Sub-editor A Journalism graduate, Meemansa Shekhawat is a sub-editor at News18. Driven by a keen interest in news, she is a passionate writer with specialisation in national and international affairs. You can re... Read More

First Published: September 05, 2026, 10:13 IST

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