Sadiq Khan urged to condemn RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s London visit
Campaign groups demand security boost and Home Office review as Hindu nationalist leader arrives this week
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Campaign groups have written to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan demanding he condemn the visit of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who arrives in the UK this week. The letter, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, also asks Khan to increase security around the visit and confirm with the Home Office whether Bhagwat’s presence meets the threshold for exclusion from the country.
The RSS, a Hindu nationalist organisation described by critics as the ideological parent of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has faced long-standing accusations of fostering intolerance and violence against religious minorities. A 2002 Foreign Office report found that its Indian affiliate, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, organised a pogrom in Gujarat that killed thousands of Muslims.
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In October 2023, Khan rejected calls to remove Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK from the organising committee of the City Hall-backed Diwali celebrations in Trafalgar Square. Hindus for Human Rights UK had argued that the group’s inclusion legitimised an organisation linked to violence. The Mayor’s office did not respond to the latest letter at the time of publication.
The Home Secretary holds the power to ban foreign nationals from entering the UK if their presence is deemed "conducive to the public good". The government has not commented on whether it will review Bhagwat’s visit under these powers. A Home Office spokesperson told MyLondon that they do not discuss individual cases.
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Critics highlight RSS links to violence
Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Britain should not host the leader of what he called a "hate group". He said the RSS had a history of far-right violence, suppression of religious freedom and attacks on minorities. "There should be no space for this kind of hatred in our city," he said.
Britain should not be hosting the leader of a hate group with a grievous history of far-right violence. This is a deeply authoritarian, exclusionary and discriminatory organisation which has suppressed religious freedom and inspired horrific attacks on minorities.
Jeremy Corbyn, MP for Islington North
The RSS describes itself as a "Hindu centric civilisational, cultural movement" aiming to elevate the nation. It has previously rejected criticism of its activities. MyLondon contacted the organisation for comment but received no response.
What happens next
Bhagwat’s UK tour begins this week, with no public confirmation of his itinerary. The Home Office has not indicated whether it will review his presence under public good powers. Campaign groups say they will continue to press Khan and the government for a response. Residents concerned about security or the visit’s implications can contact the Mayor’s office or their local MP.
Questions this report answers
+Who is Mohan Bhagwat and why is his visit controversial?
Mohan Bhagwat is the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organisation linked to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Critics accuse the RSS of fostering intolerance and violence against religious minorities, including a 2002 pogrom in Gujarat that killed thousands of Muslims.
+What are campaign groups asking Sadiq Khan to do?
Campaign groups, including Hindus for Human Rights UK, have written to Khan demanding he condemn Bhagwat’s visit, boost security around the event, and confirm with the Home Office whether Bhagwat meets the criteria for exclusion from the UK under public good powers.
+Can the Home Office ban Mohan Bhagwat from the UK?
Yes. The Home Secretary can ban foreign nationals if their presence is deemed "conducive to the public good". The government has not commented on whether it will review Bhagwat’s visit under these powers, and the Home Office does not discuss individual cases.
+What did Jeremy Corbyn say about the visit?
Jeremy Corbyn told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Britain should not host the leader of what he called a "hate group". He described the RSS as having a history of far-right violence, suppression of religious freedom and attacks on minorities.
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