RSS defends SIR as necessary for accurate voter lists, urges dialogue with youth amid protests

New Delhi: RSS on Wednesday defended the ongoing SIR, calling it necessary to ensure accurate voter lists, even as Opposition parties and youth groups stepped up protests against the exercise.

RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale alleged that internal and external "anarchic forces" were seeking to incite young people and bring about regime change through unrest and violence.

Political change in a democracy must come through polls and not through violence or disruption, Hosabale told reporters in Indore. He also urged the government to address the aspirations and concerns of young people through dialogue.


"Any society and government should pay attention to the aspirations and concerns of the youth. The Sangh urges dialogue with the youth," Hosabale said, responding to a question on the recent Gen Z agitation at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.