Canadian MPs Call for Ban on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Visit Amid Safety Concerns

Two Canadian MPs have raised alarms over the planned visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, urging the government to prevent his entry due to concerns about hate speech and potential social unrest. They argue that Bhagwat's presence could threaten public safety, especially for minority communities. Additionally, over 40 civil society organizations have joined the call, emphasizing the need to protect Canadians from far-right extremism. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the influence of extremist groups in Canada and the implications for community safety.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 8, 2026, 17:31 IST

Concerns Over Mohan Bhagwat's Upcoming Visit to Canada

On Friday, two Members of Parliament from Canada expressed their concerns regarding the planned visit of Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), urging the government to prohibit his entry. They argue that his presence could potentially incite social unrest.

Bhagwat is expected to arrive in Canada from August 31 to September 1 as part of a global outreach initiative.

The RSS serves as the foundational organization for the Bharatiya Janata Party, which currently governs India.

Heather McPherson and Jenny Kwan, both representing the New Democratic Party, have formally requested that the ministers responsible for public safety, immigration, and foreign affairs take action to prevent Bhagwat from entering the country.

In their letter, they highlighted Bhagwat's history of hate speech, promotion of violence against religious minorities, and intimidation of critics both in India and Canada, urging that he be deemed inadmissible.

Serious concerns: extremist networks linked to intimidation, hatred, violence, foreign interference targeting minority communities/critics. Govt must put public safety and rights of Canadians ahead of political interests. Anti-Sikh/Islamophobic hate speech have no place in Canada pic.twitter.com/sPLSDf1DgS
— Jenny Kwan (@JennyKwanBC) August 7, 2026

The MPs asserted that there is substantial evidence of the RSS's influence within Canada, noting that various minority groups in India, including Muslims, Sikhs, and Dalits, have faced intimidation and threats of violence.

They also referenced calls from United Nations human rights experts urging Canada to safeguard the Sikh community from threats posed by Hindutva extremist factions, including the RSS.

The letter concluded with a strong statement: "Mr. Bhagwat’s presence in Canada would pose a risk to Canadians. He is not welcome here."

Civil Society Groups Join the Opposition

In a related development, over 40 civil society and faith-based organizations in Canada have also urged Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to deny Bhagwat entry into the country. These groups have raised alarms about public safety and called for measures to protect communities from far-right extremism and hate speech.

Organizations such as the Canadian Forum for Human Rights and Democracy in India, the Canadian Council of Indian Muslims, and the World Sikh Organization are among those advocating against Bhagwat's visit.