'Hindu religion is supreme,' says RSS leader; asks Muslims to do Surya Namaskar
Dattatreya Hosabale, a top RSS leader, stirred debate in Uttar Pradesh by saying, "Our Hindu religion is supreme. It speaks for everyone."
He also encouraged Muslims to try Surya Namaskar and worship rivers and the Sun, suggesting it's good for health and the environment.
Why this matters
Hosabale described Surya Namaskar as "scientific and health-oriented," but critics saw his remarks as pushing religious dominance and cultural assimilation—especially since the event was attended by BJP lawmakers.
His comments have sparked fresh conversations about religious identity and unity.
Who is Dattatreya Hosabale?
Hosabale has been RSS general secretary since 2021.
The RSS is a right-wing Hindu nationalist group closely linked to the BJP.
Not his 1st controversy
Earlier, Hosabale called for removing "secular" and "socialist" from India's Constitution Preamble—words added during the 1975 Emergency.