All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi strongly criticized Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks that appeared conciliatory toward Muslims. Labeling them as mere “cheap talk” and “loose talk,” Owaisi said such statements are not sincere and are instead meant to impress international audiences in the United States and Gulf nations.
“This cheap and loose talk is not for us. It is meant for America and Gulf countries,” Owaisi stated in a fiery reaction to Bhagwat’s comments.
“Never Shall the Twain Meet”
Refusing to accept the RSS’s attempts at what he called hollow outreach, Owaisi emphasized the deep ideological chasm between the Sangh and the Muslim community.
“Cheap talk, loose talk. Never shall the twain meet,” Owaisi said, borrowing from Rudyard Kipling’s famous phrase to stress that Hindutva and the Muslim identity in India are fundamentally .incompatible. He implied that no amount of public relations efforts can cover up the RSS’s long-standing ideological stance, which, he believes, undermines the rights and safety of Indian Muslims.
Skepticism Over Bhagwat’s Intentions
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently made headlines with his remarks encouraging unity and understanding among different communities. However, Owaisi remained unconvinced, stating that such statements fail to address the actual discrimination and hostility faced by Muslims.
He asserted that if the RSS truly wanted peace and unity, they should support policy reforms and societal change and not just issue well-worded speeches.
Symbolic Outreach, Real Discontent
Owaisi’s reaction reflects a broader sentiment among some Muslim leaders, who view the RSS’s public outreach efforts with suspicion. The AIMIM leader argued that mere words are not enough to counterbalance what he called “systematic othering” of Muslims in India.
