New Delhi, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
More than 100 Canadian Hindu and civil liberties organisations have urged Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to allow Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat to visit Canada, opposing calls to declare him inadmissible.
In a joint letter to Carney and three senior ministers, the organisations said any decision concerning Bhagwat’s immigration or public safety status should be based on credible evidence, Canadian law and due process rather than political pressure.
The letter was also addressed to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
The groups said their appeal followed calls by New Democratic Party MPs Jenny Kwan and Heather McPherson, along with several organisations, for the Canadian government to prevent Bhagwat from entering the country.
Describing Bhagwat’s proposed visit as significant for Canada’s Hindu community, which they said numbers more than one million, the signatories described the RSS as a major Indian organisation involved in community service, social initiatives, cultural activities and public discourse.
The organisations said allegations reportedly made by opponents of the visit — including claims of hate speech, advocacy of violence against minorities, targeted intimidation and associations with criminal or listed terrorist organisations — were serious and should be independently verified.
“These are exceptionally serious allegations. They should not be treated as political rhetoric or established as fact without clear, credible and independently verifiable evidence,” the letter said.
The groups urged those opposing Bhagwat’s visit to submit evidence supporting their allegations and said any such material should be examined through established Canadian legal and governmental processes.
They also rejected claims that Bhagwat’s presence could result in social disorder or pose a threat to Canadians, arguing that immigration and public-safety decisions should not be based on speculation.
The organisations acknowledged the right to peaceful protest and criticism of political, cultural and religious leaders. However, they cautioned that barring a visiting leader on the basis of unproven allegations could raise concerns about pluralism, freedom of expression, freedom of religion and equal treatment under Canadian law.
The letter said some Canadian Hindus could perceive the campaign against Bhagwat as reflecting anti-Hindu prejudice or Hinduphobia, while stressing that the views of individual politicians or organisations should not be portrayed as representing all Canadian Hindus.
The document lists 101 organisations, including the Canada India Foundation, Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, VHP Canada, BAPS INC, Hindu Sikh Unity Forum Canada, temples and regional community associations. Its introductory section refers to “more than 101+” organisations, while its closing description says the signatories represent more than 500 organisations and civil liberties groups.
The RSS was founded in India in 1925 and has developed into a large volunteer organisation with affiliated groups involved in social, cultural and public activities. Bhagwat has served as its Sarsanghchalak, or chief, since 2009.
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