Canadian MPs Call for Ban on RSS and Restrictions on Mohan Bhagwat’s Visit

In a significant political move, two members of the Canadian Parliament have urged the government to impose a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and prevent its leader, Mohan Bhagwat, from visiting Canada. The request follows concerns that Bhagwat’s presence in the country could incite social unrest. His visit is scheduled from August 31 to September 1 as part of a global outreach initiative, which has raised alarms among some Canadian lawmakers.

MPs Heather McPherson and Jenny Kwan, both members of the New Democratic Party, have formally written to ministers overseeing public safety, immigration, and foreign affairs, advocating for Bhagwat’s inadmissibility into Canada. They cited a history of alleged hate speech, promotion of violence against religious minorities, and intimidation tactics against critics, both in India and abroad. The MPs also referenced Bhagwat’s connections to organizations deemed criminal and linked to terrorism, arguing that these associations warrant serious consideration.

McPherson and Kwan expressed their grave concerns over the influence of extremist networks, highlighting the potential risks they pose to minority communities and critics of the RSS within Canada. In their communication to the government, they emphasized the necessity of prioritizing public safety and the rights of Canadian citizens over political affiliations and interests. They asserted that hate speech targeting Sikhs and Muslims has no place in a diverse society like Canada.

The call for a ban is not an isolated incident, as it reflects growing apprehensions among various communities in Canada regarding the RSS’s influence. The organization, which is the ideological parent of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has faced criticism for its controversial stance on religious and social issues in India. While supporters argue that the RSS promotes nationalism, critics contend that its actions foster division and violence.

With the increasing scrutiny on the RSS’s activities abroad, the debate surrounding religious tolerance, freedom of expression, and national security continues to be a focal point in Canada. The government’s response to this request will likely set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in the future. As the dialogue unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Canadian government will balance diplomatic relations with Indian political entities against the backdrop of domestic public safety concerns.

Source: scroll.in