Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Nov 19: BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Wednesday backed RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent statement that anyone who takes “pride in Bharat” is a Hindu, asserting that India is a Hindu Rashtra in its cultural essence.

Bhagwat, speaking in Guwahati, had described “Hindu” not merely as a religious term but as a civilisational identity shaped over thousands of years. “Bharat and Hindu are synonymous. India does not need an official declaration to be a ‘Hindu Rashtra’. Its civilisational ethos already reflects it,” he said.

Supporting the remarks, Hussain told reporters, “Yes, it is true, India is indeed a Hindu Rashtra. We are proud to live in a Hindu Rashtra. The country is governed according to the Constitution, and everyone has equal rights. Hindus are in the majority, and the whole world talks about how people of different communities live together in India.”

The statements came ahead of Bihar’s Chief Ministerial swearing-in ceremony. JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar was unanimously elected as the party’s legislative leader on Wednesday, confirming he will take oath for his tenth term as Chief Minister on November 20 at Gandhi Maidan, Patna.

BJP national spokesperson Hussain also commented on the recent electoral outcome, noting the NDA’s strong performance and the people’s confidence in the government. He highlighted that the swearing-in ceremony would follow meetings of BJP, JD(U), and NDA legislators, emphasizing Bihar’s need for stable and decisive governance.

Nitish Kumar, a veteran of Bihar politics, is expected to announce a new development roadmap with fresh policies and schemes in the coming months, leveraging the state’s updated political alignment. Senior JD(U) leaders reiterated their unity and confidence in his leadership during Wednesday’s meeting.