Mohan Bhagwat for President: Sena Wants RSS Head to Succeed Pranab

Shiv Sena said Mohan Bhagwat could help the BJP fulfil its dream of making India a “Hindu Rashtra”.

The Shiv Sena on Monday urged the Modi government to consider RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for the post of Indian President.

In a surprise statement, Sena MP and Saamana Executive Editor Sanjay Raut said the NDA – of which Sena is a member – and the BJP in particular, should think of the RSS Sarsanghchalak if it wanted to fulfil its dream of achieving a "Hindu Rashtra".

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This has been discussed in our party. Even Sena President Uddhav Thackeray is of the opinion that for making India a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, Bhagwat should be made the President.

Sanjay Raut

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He said a staunch Hindu nationalist like Modi was the Prime Minister, and another Hindutva proponent, Yogi Adityanath, had become Chief Minister of India's most populous state – Uttar Pradesh.

"He (Bhagwat) is a strong leader, staunch nationalist, has a deep knowledge of the Constitution. So if the BJP wants to make India a “Hindu Rashtra”, his name must be considered. He is the most suitable candidate," Raut said.

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Born in Chandrapur in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, Bhagwat, 66, has headed the RSS since March 2009.

The presidential election is due in July.

(With IANS inputs)