Even Muslim-majority countries don’t allow Namaz on roads, says Sunil Ambekar of RSS

Sunil Ambekar of RSS emphasizes national unity, defending road prayer restrictions and promoting awareness of shared ancestry in India.

“Even Muslim-majority countries do not allow prayers on roads and have designated places for worship,” Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) national publicity in-charge Sunil Ambekar said in an interview with The Hindu.

Mr. Ambekar made the statement while responding to questions on how incidents in BJP-ruled States—such as FIRs over Namaz on roads, Iftar on a boat in the Ganga, or the Char Dham temples asking for ‘Sanatani’ affidavits—impact the RSS’s message of unity in diversity.

“When the government restricts Namaz on roads, it should be seen as a law-and-order decision, not a religious restriction,” he said. On the temple issue, he added, “Arrangements at places of worship are made for those who have faith in that religion. In a democracy, if people feel these arrangements are not right, they can voice their opinion. We have media to raise our voice.”

Asked whether the Sangh sees any ideological conflict with the appointment of Nitin Nabin as the BJP chief, given his lack of prior association with the RSS or its affiliated organisations, Mr. Ambekar said Mr. Nabin has worked in the BJP for years and that the party is capable of imparting the core ideology of the organisation.

On the ongoing West Asia conflict, he said it is a time for Opposition parties to support the government and prioritise national interest above political ambitions. “War should be fought for truth and the welfare of the people, not for personal or selfish interests and I truly feel that India is following that right path,” he said.

Addressing concerns around demographic change and population imbalance, Mr. Ambekar linked them to historical lessons. “Some people understand that even if their worship practices change, they still share the same ancestors and history. But a section felt that because their traditions were altered, the country no longer belonged to them. This contributed to the partition of India—a phenomenon also seen elsewhere, like Lebanon,” he said.