RSS Leader Sunil Ambekar Defends Government Policies, Outlines Organizational Expansion
New Delhi – Sunil Ambekar, Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), addressed a range of sensitive issues in a recent interview with The Hindu, defending the Narendra Modi government’s policies and detailing the organization’s ongoing expansion efforts. The interview, conducted on March 20, 2026, covered topics from restrictions on public prayers to demographic changes and youth engagement.
Namaz Restrictions and Religious Freedom
Responding to questions about restrictions on namaz (Muslim prayers) in public spaces in BJP-ruled states, Ambekar characterized these measures as law-and-order decisions rather than religious restrictions. He stated, “When the government restricts namaz on roads, it should be seen as a law-and-order decision, not a religious restriction.” He also addressed concerns surrounding restrictions on iftar (breaking of the fast during Ramadan) gatherings and requirements for “Sanatani” affidavits at the Char Dham temples, framing them as matters of local arrangements and democratic expression.
BJP Leadership and Ideological Alignment
Ambekar also addressed concerns regarding the appointment of Nitin Nabin as the BJP chief, despite his lack of prior association with the RSS or its affiliated organizations. He asserted that Nabin’s long-standing involvement within the BJP would be sufficient for the party to instill the core ideology of the RSS.
West Asia Conflict and National Interest
Regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia, Ambekar urged opposition parties to prioritize national interest and support the government. He emphasized the importance of pursuing truth and welfare in warfare, stating, “War should be fought for truth and the welfare of the people, not for personal or selfish interests and I truly feel that India is following that right path.”
Demographic Change and National Unity
Ambekar linked concerns about demographic change and population imbalance to historical events, specifically referencing the partition of India and similar situations in Lebanon. He explained that a sense of altered traditions contributed to feelings of disconnect and division. The RSS, he stated, is actively working to promote awareness of shared ancestry and national unity, building on the efforts highlighted by Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat. He cautioned against actions that could harm the country’s unity and integrity.
Government Policies and National Security
Ambekar defended the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC), the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) as constitutional processes aimed at safeguarding national interest. He affirmed that legal recourse is available for those wrongly excluded from these processes.
Youth Engagement and Social Stability
Addressing youth-led protests in Nepal and Bangladesh, Ambekar highlighted the differences between those situations and India’s relative stability. He attributed this to the aspirational nature of Indian youth, their confidence in the government’s efforts, and their adherence to constitutional frameworks for national development. He noted that Indian youth have historically engaged in protests during significant periods, including the freedom struggle, the Emergency, and against corruption.
RSS Expansion and Organizational Structure
Ambekar announced that the RSS network now conducts approximately 88,000 daily shakha (branch) sessions, involving a significant number of participants. He also revealed the introduction of a new divisional level to decentralize the organizational structure and extend outreach to villages, tehsils, and mandals across India.
“Our vision remains consistent: fostering unity, national development, and security, guided by the principles on which the Sangh was founded a century ago,” Ambekar concluded.