RSS Chief: Bharat Ratna to Savarkar will boost award's prestige

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat recently made significant statements regarding the Bharat Ratna award for Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and his own tenure as the head of the Sangh. Speaking at a programme in Mumbai on Sunday, February 8, 2026, marking the RSS's centenary, Bhagwat asserted that conferring India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, upon V.D. Savarkar would actually augment the prestige of the award itself. Bhagwat, during an interactive session at the event, referred to Savarkar using the honorific 'Veer' (brave) and underscored that recognising him with such an honour would elevate its stature. This statement reignites a long-standing political debate surrounding Savarkar's legacy, particularly his mercy petitions to the British during his imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Critics, including the Congress party, have often labelled Savarkar a 'traitor' for these petitions, while his proponents view him as a fierce nationalist and freedom fighter who strategically sought release to continue his work. Beyond the contentious issue of Savarkar, Mohan Bhagwat also addressed personal questions concerning his age and potential retirement from his role as the RSS chief. He revealed that he had turned 75 in the past year, a milestone that has previously sparked discussions in political circles, especially given the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) unofficial age limit of 75 for holding active posts. However, Bhagwat clarified that despite reaching this age, the RSS organisation had asked him to continue his leadership. He further elucidated the nature of leadership within the RSS, stating that there is no formal retirement age for swayamsevaks (volunteers) or the chief. Bhagwat emphasised that he would only step down from his position whenever the Sangh itself directed him to do so. He highlighted that the post of RSS chief is not determined by elections but rather by appointment through regional and divisional leadership within the organisation. These comments from the RSS chief hold significant weight in India's political landscape, given the RSS's ideological influence over the ruling BJP. The demand for Bharat Ratna for Savarkar has been a recurring theme from right-wing organisations and has often been met with strong opposition from other political parties, particularly the Indian National Congress. The Congress has consistently cited Savarkar's clemency petitions to the British as a reason to oppose the honour. The timing of Bhagwat's statements, made during the centenary celebrations of the RSS, adds another layer of significance. The organisation is reflecting on its past achievements and future direction, and the chief's remarks on ideological figures like Savarkar and internal leadership dynamics provide insights into the Sangh's current perspectives and priorities. The discussion around age and retirement is also particularly relevant in the context of Indian politics, where the age of leaders often becomes a point of public and political scrutiny. Bhagwat's assertion that 'retirement from work will never happen' for RSS volunteers, and that his tenure is solely dependent on the Sangh's directives, reinforces the organisation's disciplined and cadre-based operational philosophy. The article from Hindustan Times accurately captures these key pronouncements, which have been widely corroborated by other reputable news agencies and media outlets in India, including The Hans India, Indian Express, Rediff.com, Times Now, The Economic Times, Deccan Herald, and The Federal. The narrative presented is consistent across these sources, indicating the factual accuracy of the report. The news falls squarely within the categories of 'Politics' and 'India News', as it pertains to statements from a prominent national ideological leader on matters of national honour and internal organisational leadership. The story is highly relevant to an Indian audience due to its direct implications for national political discourse, historical interpretation, and the future direction of a powerful ideological body like the RSS.

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