A senior leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has addressed the organization’s position on inter-faith relationships, clarifying that “sheer pure love” is acceptable, but the Sangh objects to planned conspiracies to lure Hindu girls.
Dattatreya Hosabale, the RSS General Secretary, stated that the organization has no issue with inter-caste, inter-religious, or even inter-national marriages based on genuine affection. Hosabale made these remarks during an interview, emphasizing that the Sangh has not only accepted such unions but has also celebrated and attended these weddings. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, Hosabale distinguished between genuine love and what is often termed “love jihad,” a term used by the Hindu right wing to describe relationships between Muslim men and Hindu women.
Hosabale clarified that the term “love jihad” was initially used by a high court judge, not by the RSS. He explained that the RSS objects when relationships are part of an orchestrated agenda to target Hindu girls. According to Hosabale, love transcends religion and nationality when it is pure. However, when it becomes a planned conspiracy to take away Hindu girls, it raises concerns and creates social friction. He emphasized that even shared DNA, as mentioned by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat in the context of Hindus and Muslims in India, does not justify the coercion or abduction of girls from any community.
Hosabale stressed that the RSS opposes the kidnapping of girls from any community, not just Hindu girls. He argued that belonging to the same genetic lineage does not excuse such actions. He maintained that love is not restricted in society, but it must be socially acceptable. When questioned about whether the Sangh opposes love marriages between individuals of different faiths or communities, Hosabale reiterated that many Swayamsevaks have married outside their caste, community, or religion. He stated that the RSS views such unions as natural and does not publicize them.
However, Hosabale said that the issue of “love jihad” cannot be ignored due to the numerous cases reported and heard in courts every month. He claimed that approximately 20,000 cases have been documented, with many girls returning to share their experiences. Hosabale questioned whether love only happens in one direction, implying a conspiracy if all the reported cases involve Hindu girls and Muslim boys. He stated that if love is only one-dimensional, it suggests a planned agenda rather than genuine affection.
Hosabale also addressed questions regarding Mohan Bhagwat’s comments on the need for Hindus to have more children. He explained that having more children is essential for family security and other reasons. He argued that families with only one child face risks, such as the child becoming lonely or developing an ego. He emphasized that siblings help children learn love, sharing, and compassion. Hosabale added that having more children is important for the community and the nation’s future.
He cautioned that a nation of predominantly elderly people would face problems, citing Japan as an example. Hosabale advocated for people to have more children to maintain India’s status as a young nation, despite its ancient history. While India is an ancient nation, it remains a young nation even after thousands of years, Hosabale noted.
The RSS official’s comments come amid ongoing debates and concerns about inter-faith relationships and allegations of forced conversions in India. These issues have been a subject of political and social discourse for years, with various groups expressing differing viewpoints. The RSS’s stance, as clarified by Hosabale, reflects a nuanced approach that distinguishes between genuine love and what it perceives as orchestrated conspiracies.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.