Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has urged citizens to actively identify and report illegal infiltrators to the police, while also refusing them employment opportunities. Speaking at an event in Mumbai marking the centenary year of the RSS, Bhagwat said public participation is essential in supporting government efforts to detect and deport non-citizens.
He framed the issue as one of civic responsibility, stressing that safeguarding citizens’ rights requires collective awareness and lawful action.
Electoral Roll Revision Cited as Key Tool
Bhagwat highlighted the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as an important mechanism to expose non-citizens living in the country. According to him, the exercise can help authorities distinguish between citizens and illegal infiltrators, strengthening democratic processes and national security.
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He contrasted current efforts with what he described as years of inaction in the past, crediting the present government for prioritising the issue of illegal infiltration.
Employment Should Be Reserved for Citizens
Emphasising economic implications, the RSS chief said jobs and opportunities must be reserved strictly for Indian citizens. He called on employers and communities to avoid hiring suspected infiltrators and instead inform authorities through proper legal channels.
Bhagwat also suggested that linguistic differences and unfamiliarity with local customs can sometimes help identify individuals who may not be citizens, though he reiterated that reporting should be done responsibly and through official means.
Inclusivity Within RSS Highlighted
Addressing internal organisational values, Bhagwat stressed that the RSS remains inclusive, stating that individuals from all communities, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, can rise to leadership positions based on merit and dedication.
He sought to underline that the organisation’s focus is on national unity rather than exclusion.
Political Context and Ongoing Debate
The remarks come amid intensified drives in states such as Maharashtra targeting suspected illegal immigrants, particularly from Bangladesh. These actions have drawn criticism from opposition parties and rights groups, who have raised concerns about potential profiling, especially of migrants from eastern India.
Bhagwat clarified that Indian Muslims and other citizens should not face discrimination, reiterating that the focus remains on identifying non-citizens.
