Opposition hits out at Bhagwat, says youth don’t require ‘certificate’ from RSS chief

Talking to reporters outside Parliament, Priyanka said, “They don’t need a certificate from RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat.”

Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal also questioned Bhagwat’s outreach to the younger generation and said that if the RSS chief was genuinely concerned about youth, he should seek the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“If there is any sincerity towards the younger generation, let Bhagwat demand the Home Minister’s resignation,” Venugopal said.

Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge also questioned the RSS-BJP’s outreach to youngsters, alleging that a change in language did not mean a change in ideology.

In a post on X, Kharge alleged that the RSS and the BJP were changing their vocabulary while continuing to “divide people, misguide youth and dress up hatred in new packaging”.

Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav also questioned the interaction, alleging that the BJP turns to Bhagwat whenever it finds itself in a difficult political situation. Yadav said the BJP government was facing a challenge from Gen Z and had therefore turned to the RSS chief to deal with the situation.

“Whenever they find themselves completely cornered, they turn to him, asking him to find a solution or speak on their behalf,” he said.

The Opposition’s comments come amid a wider political contest over outreach to young voters, with student protests over paper leaks, education-related issues and alleged police action against protesters becoming a major issue for the Opposition.