Copy PM’s actions not just his looks: Bhagwat

Showering praise on the Prime Minister for “pursuing” national interests with the “dedication of a swayamsevak”, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday advised people who intend to emulate Narendra Modi to take up his “qualities” instead of his mannerisms or appearance.

‘Today, we look at him because of his personality, actions and leadership. We need to look at what lies beyond his appearance and emulate his character… A person is more accomplished when there is no difference in the way he appears and the way he is,” Bhagwat said at the release of a book on the PM, ‘The Making of a Legend’, put together by Sulabh International, the social service organisation. BJP president Amit Shah was also present on the occasion.

In Modi, Bhagwat said, people have found an “able champion of social welfare”, though he was quick to caution that they should not shun their responsibility and “leave it all on him”.

While other Sangh outfits such as the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Swadeshi Jagran Manch and the Laghu Udyog Bharti have criticised the government’s economic policies and slammed the move to privatise the national carrier Air India, Bhagwat threw his weight behind the government.

“Not only is Modi trying to regain the lost glory of India,” Bhagwat said, “he is striving to take it to greater heights like a dedicated cadre of the party.”

The sentiment was echoed by the BJP president, who said the PM is pursuing his mandate like a “normal party worker”.