Mohan Bhagwat: Caste-Based Reservations Must Continue Until Social Inequality Ends
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaks on reservations, Dr B R Ambedkar's vision and social inequality.

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), stated on Thursday that caste-based reservations in India must continue as long as social discrimination and inequality exist in society. He made this statement during an interactive session with over 2,000 youths from Gen Z and Gen Alpha at an event organised to mark the 15th anniversary celebrations of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN) in Mumbai.
Bhagwat emphasized the importance of viewing the issue through the perspective of Dr B R Ambedkar to avoid friction and controversy. When asked if the time had come to reduce reservation quotas in education and employment, Bhagwat declined to answer with a direct yes or no. Instead, he stressed that the issue must be understood through Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision.
The RSS chief noted that reservation exists due to social factors and as long as social inequality remains, reservation must continue. He appealed to well-off individuals within reserved categories to show generosity and voluntarily step aside so that underprivileged members of society can benefit.
Bhagwat also expressed dissatisfaction over the political weaponisation of reservations, stating that reservation was originally designed as a tool to achieve social harmony. He added that until this political mindset shifts, the situation will not improve, though effective implementation of welfare schemes could eventually reduce the need for quotas.
The RSS chief also addressed recent student demonstrations over issues like the NEET paper leak, noting that young people participating in protests or voicing concerns does not make them anti-national. He expressed strong faith in Gen Z and offered thoughts on maintaining dialogue rather than suppressing student voices.
Bhagwat's comments come at a time when the reservation policy has been a topic of debate in the country. The Supreme Court has made observations regarding sub-classification to ensure equitable distribution of benefits, and there is a growing thought process among quota beneficiaries themselves to voluntarily step aside and allow underprivileged members of society to benefit.
The RSS chief's statement is significant, as it highlights the need to address social inequality and discrimination in society. The continuation of caste-based reservations is a complex issue, and Bhagwat's comments emphasize the importance of understanding the issue through Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision.
In conclusion, Mohan Bhagwat's statement on caste-based reservations highlights the need to address social inequality and discrimination in society. The RSS chief's comments emphasize the importance of understanding the issue through Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision and the need for a shift in the political mindset to achieve social harmony.
The issue of reservations is a complex one, and Bhagwat's statement is a significant contribution to the debate. As the country continues to grapple with the issue, it is essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders and work towards achieving social harmony and equality.
The RSS chief's faith in Gen Z and his emphasis on maintaining dialogue rather than suppressing student voices are also noteworthy. It is essential to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process and to address their concerns and grievances.
Overall, Mohan Bhagwat's statement on caste-based reservations is a significant contribution to the debate on social inequality and discrimination in society. His comments emphasize the need to address these issues and to work towards achieving social harmony and equality.
In the context of Indian society, the issue of reservations is closely tied to the concept of social justice. The reservation policy is designed to provide opportunities to marginalized communities and to address the historical injustices faced by them. However, the policy has been criticized for being ineffective and for perpetuating inequality.
The Supreme Court's observations on sub-classification are a significant development in this context. The court's suggestion that benefits should be distributed equitably among different sub-categories is a step towards addressing the issue of inequality within marginalized communities.
In conclusion, the issue of reservations is complex and multifaceted. Mohan Bhagwat's statement highlights the need to address social inequality and discrimination in society, and his comments emphasize the importance of understanding the issue through Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision.
As the country continues to grapple with the issue, it is essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders and to work towards achieving social harmony and equality. The RSS chief's faith in Gen Z and his emphasis on maintaining dialogue rather than suppressing student voices are also noteworthy, and it is essential to encourage young people to participate in the democratic process and to address their concerns and grievances.
What it means for Mumbai and India is that the issue of reservations is a critical one that requires careful consideration and nuanced understanding. The city and the country must work towards addressing social inequality and discrimination, and the reservation policy must be designed and implemented in a way that promotes social justice and equality.
The statement by Mohan Bhagwat is a significant contribution to the debate, and it highlights the need for a shift in the political mindset to achieve social harmony. The issue of reservations is closely tied to the concept of social justice, and it is essential to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders and to work towards achieving social harmony and equality.
In the end, the issue of reservations is a complex one that requires careful consideration and nuanced understanding. Mohan Bhagwat's statement is a significant contribution to the debate, and it highlights the need to address social inequality and discrimination in society. The city and the country must work towards achieving social harmony and equality, and the reservation policy must be designed and implemented in a way that promotes social justice and equality.
Frequently asked questions
What did Mohan Bhagwat say about caste-based reservations?
Mohan Bhagwat stated that caste-based reservations must continue until social inequality ends.
What is the vision of Dr B R Ambedkar on reservations?
Dr B R Ambedkar's vision on reservations is to provide opportunities to marginalized communities and to address historical injustices.