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In a significant development, a closed-door meeting between Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat and a group of 'eminent' Muslim personalities took place in the end of August at the RSS headquarters at Keshav Kunj in Delhi's Jhandewalan.
The group included former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung, former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, former Vice Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University Lieutenant General (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah, Rashtriya Lok Dal national vice-president Shahid Siddiqui and businessman Saeed Shervani.
From the RSS side, Sah Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal was also present besides Mohan Bhagwat.
During the meeting, which lasted for over an hour, a wide range of issues was discussed, including the Gyanvapi dispute, hate crimes, and population control.
One of the members of the group, who did not wish to be named, said that the aim of the visit was to "highlight issues pertaining to the Muslim community and do something about the communal divide that exists".
The member said that the group "did not want any media attention around the visit" and that their "initiative should not be misunderstood."
"We are concerned about what is happening (in the country) and that is why we went for this meeting," the member said.
According to an individual present at the meeting, Mohan Bhagwat also put forth his views on various issues.
The RSS chief reminded the group of his remark: "Why look for a Shivling in every mosque?" He said that this should have been taken forward by Muslims to bridge the divide between them and the RSS.
During the meeting, it was asserted by the RSS side that this was an "ice-breaker," and that a bigger meeting with "Muslim intellectuals" would be organised later.
The Quint reached out to four of the people who attended the meeting, as well as representatives from the RSS. We received responses from three of those who were present. Their responses are part of the story. They did not wish to be named.
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