RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat: Bharat Ratna for Savarkar will boost award's prestige

• RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat advocated for posthumously awarding Bharat Ratna to Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
• Bhagwat stated that conferring the award on Savarkar would increase the prestige and dignity of India’s highest civilian honor.
• He expressed personal intent to inquire about delays in the conferment if given the opportunity, despite not being on the selection committee.
• Bhagwat dismissed allegations of RSS exerting “remote control” over the BJP-led central government, stating they do not engage in backseat driving.
• He emphasized RSS's focus on instilling cultural values and expanding outreach, while committing to lifelong national service.