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Following unrest in Nagpur sparked by protests against Aurangzeb’s tomb, RSS spokesperson Sunil Ambekar declared the Mughal emperor “not relevant.” The organisation emphasised its focus on other priorities, including addressing attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Security arrangements at Aurangzeb tomb after Bajrang Dal and VHP’s protesters in in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar demanded its removal, on March 17, 2025. (Photo: PTI)
“Aurangzeb is not relevant,” said RSS spokesperson and Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar when asked about the tensions in Nagpur. “No form of violence is encouraged, and let the police conduct their investigation,” said Ambekar in response to a question from CNN News18.
As the RSS prepares to hold the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha in Bengaluru, discussions are expected to focus on pre-determined proposals, including attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh and outlining the organisation’s roadmap as it marks 100 years. However, this issue may also be brought up.
The Aurangzeb controversy has gained significance after Nagpur, the headquarters of the RSS, witnessed unrest near Chitnis Park in the Mahal area on Monday at around 7:30 pm. Protesters engaged in stone-pelting following rumours that a religious text had been burned during a demonstration by a right-wing group demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has denied allegations of burning any material and stated that it will not tolerate any attempts to glorify Aurangzeb following protests against his tomb, which led to violence in Nagpur. The organisation has also called for a victory memorial dedicated to the Marathas at the site where Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s grave currently stands.
The blockbuster film Chhaava, based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s life, has reinforced his image as a martyr, intensifying anti-Aurangzeb sentiments in Maharashtra. This, coupled with historical animosity towards the Mughal ruler, has made any reference to Aurangzeb a politically charged issue in the state.
Speaking about the RSS’s growth and its relevance to today’s youth, Ambekar emphasised that interest among young people in joining the organisation has been increasing. Contrary to the belief that membership has declined, he stated that the number of registrations has actually risen.
“Our focus is to achieve and assess what we describe as Panchaparivartan—which includes family awakening, social harmony and connectivity, civic sense, environmental conservation, and a swadeshi lifestyle,” Ambekar said.
Noting that this Vijayadashami marks the RSS’s centenary celebrations, he added that the baithak in Bengaluru will review the expansion of shakhas, evaluate whether the organisation has met its targets, and outline the roadmap for the future.
“Two proposals will be discussed—one concerning Bangladesh and the other on the RSS’s future roadmap,” Ambekar said.
When asked whether there has been a decline in the number of people joining the RSS, Ambekar dismissed such claims, stating, “Numbers will speak for themselves.”
“We will also be strategising ways to connect more people with the organisation,” he added. He further mentioned that an outreach programme will be launched to engage those below the age of 40, as well as those between 40 and 60, to involve them in both organisational and nation-building efforts.
The baithak (meeting), regarded as the RSS’s highest decision-making body, is held annually. This year, it will take place at Janseva Vidya Kendra in Channenahalli, Bengaluru.
When asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, Ambekar said he is welcome, adding that former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had also visited in the past.
Regarding the Congress government in Karnataka blaming the RSS and BJP for rising communal tensions in the state, Ambekar responded, “They are politicians—that’s what they will say. We are focused on peace and nation-building,” he told CNN News18.
