Earlier, everyone was Buddhist in India. When Hinduism came, we became a Hindu nation: Ramdas Athawale

"There was a time when everyone was a Buddhist in our country. When Hinduism came, we became a Hindu nation. If he means everyone is ours then it's good," Ramdas Athawale said.

Listen to Story

Advertisement
Earlier, everyone was Buddhist in India. When Hinduism came, we became a Hindu nation: Ramdas Athawale
Union minister Ramdas Athawale. (Photo: ANI)

Union minister Ramdas Athawale on Thursday reacted to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat's '130 crore population of India as Hindu society' remark, saying everyone was Buddhist in India and then the country became a Hindu nation when Hinduism came.

Ramdas Athawale also said it was not right to say all are Hindus.

"Not right to say all are Hindus. There was a time when everyone was a Buddhist in our country. When Hinduism came, we became a Hindu nation. If he means everyone is ours then it's good," Ramdas Athawale said.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said the Sangh regards the 130 crore population of India as Hindu society, irrespective of their religion and culture.

advertisement


Irrespective of religion and culture, people who have the nationalistic spirit and respect the culture of the country and its heritage are Hindus, and RSS considers the 130 crore people of the country as Hindus, he said.

"Entire society is ours and the Sangh aims to build such a united society," Mohan Bhagwat said.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also slammed Mohan Bhagwat on his remarks and said India cannot have a religion as per the Constitution.

"Mohan Bhagwat may not have the Indian Constitution. There is a right to equality, right to life. These will celebrate Indias pluralism and diversity. Why there Article 26, 29 and 30? Because this country does not have a religion. RSS wants India should have only one religion. That will not happen until the Constitution made by BR Ambedkar exists. This land believes in all religions," Asaduddin Owaisi added.

(With inputs from PTI)