'Every time world is in need, India rises': RSS chief praises nation's resilience; highlights democratic strength

NEW DELHI: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Tuesday said India is emerging as a major global player.

Speaking at an event in Rajasthan’s Sikar, Bhagwat praised the country’s resilience, democratic strength and ability to respond to global needs.

"We are seeing it today that every time the world is in need, India rises. If we look at our country's history after independence, based on that history, no one could say that India will rise," Bhagwat said.

He highlighted that India has made its mark despite the dominance of larger world powers. “But today, India is rising and making its presence in the world despite the big powers. Some people had predicted that democracy would not be able to function in India after independence. Today, when we talk about democracy, India is ahead of many countries of the world," he added.

Bhagwat’s remarks came as Opposition parties stepped up criticism of the BJP-led Centre , accusing it of undermining democracy through alleged electoral fraud in collusion with the Election Commission (EC). Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently alleged “vote theft” in the 2024 general election .

The Opposition has also demanded the rollback of the special intensive revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in poll-bound Bihar, claiming it could disenfranchise many. On Monday, INDIA bloc MPs marched to the EC headquarters in Delhi over the issue.

In Bihar, Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav accused the EC of “misusing” its powers. He said, “This is Bihar's misfortune. The names of many voters are being continuously removed, many people do not have documents, and there are many who live outside Bihar but vote in Bihar. This is a conspiracy by the BJP, and the BJP is getting its work done by using the Election Commission as a front.”