Protests Erupt in London as RSS Chief Bhagwat’s UK Itinerary Remains Confidential

In a significant turn of events, Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), arrived in the United Kingdom on September 3, marking the final leg of his international journey that commenced on August 25 in the United States and included a stop in Canada. However, details regarding his itinerary have not been publicly disclosed, leading to a wave of protests in London.

Protesters gathered in Parliament Square on Sunday, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of Bhagwat’s visit. The event drew participants from various organizations, including diaspora groups, students, and academics, all united under a common cause. Their aim was twofold: to oppose what they perceive as the Hindu majoritarianism propagated by the RSS and to voice their discontent towards the UK government for its silence regarding Bhagwat’s visit.

With the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as their backdrop, demonstrators waved flags and displayed placards emblazoned with messages such as, “Never Forget Gujarat Genocide, 2002,” and “Diaspora United Against Fascism.” The atmosphere was charged with slogans of solidarity and resistance, as placards also featured phrases like “Inquilab Zindabad,” meaning “long live the revolution.” A notable sign directed a pointed question at UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, asking, “Will you ban RSS?”

The protests underscore a growing concern among certain segments of the Indian diaspora in the UK regarding the implications of the RSS’s ideology. Many participants expressed their outrage not only against the organization’s principles but also criticized the UK government for failing to address the rising influence of such groups.

Activists at the protest drew parallels between the current global resistance movements and past events in India, such as the Shaheen Bagh protests and the farmers’ agitation. They emphasized the importance of collective action, with speakers highlighting that the energy and resolve of students and activists back in India are contributing to a broader narrative of resistance against authoritarianism and communalism.

Source: scroll.in