Vijayvargiya says, ‘officials now claim RSS links’:Minister remarks many officers began identifying with organisation after BJP formed govt

Madhya Pradesh Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya on Saturday made remarks about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying that many government officials now claim to have been associated with the organisation after the BJP came to power. Speaking at the Shaligram Tomar Memorial Programme in Bhopal, Vijayvargiya said the RSS has grown significantly over the years, but added that the organisation now faces a shortage of committed and capable individuals. ‘Every officer says he was associated with RSS’ Vijayvargiya said many officials now tell him they have longstanding links with the RSS. “Now the RSS has become very crowded. Our numbers have increased and our party has become very large. Every officer who comes says, ‘I also wore the RSS uniform.'” He added that some officers tell him their fathers were active in the RSS, while others claim their fathers held leadership positions in the organisation. Taking a swipe at the situation, Vijayvargiya remarked that after the BJP formed the government, “all officers have become RSS members,” suggesting that many bureaucrats now portray themselves as being connected with the organisation. ‘Organisation needs good people, not just bigger numbers’ The minister said that while the RSS has witnessed rapid expansion, it should focus on attracting committed individuals. He said there was a time when the organisation had many dedicated workers, but such people were becoming fewer. According to Vijayvargiya, merely increasing the size of the organisation or expanding its ideology would have little meaning unless it was supported by people of strong character and commitment. He urged members to reflect on the issue and engage in introspection. Statement goes viral on social media Vijayvargiya’s remarks quickly went viral on social media, sparking political and public discussion. The comments were made during the Shaligram Tomar Memorial Programme held in Bhopal. CM Mohan Yadav pays tribute to Shaligram Tomar Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who also attended the event, remembered Shaligram Tomar as a leader who played a key role in mentoring party workers. He said Tomar understood the problems faced by workers and instilled discipline within the organisation. Recalling a personal memory, the Chief Minister said that Shaligram Tomar had arranged his marriage, adding that senior leaders such as Tomar, Devdhar and Moghe continued to inspire party workers. Dr Yadav said attending the programme made him feel as though he had returned to his days with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Earlier remarks on Muslims drew attention Vijayvargiya had also made headlines on June 22, 2026, during an event in Indore, where he commented on welfare schemes and public infrastructure while referring to some members of the Muslim community. He said that if those who called Hindus “kafirs” objected to the government, they should also refrain from using roads built by the government or accepting benefits under welfare schemes such as the Ladli Behna Yojana and Ladli Laxmi Yojana. His remarks had drawn considerable public and political attention at the time.