Haridwar: If common people also put a bit of effort, Swami Vivekanand and Maharishi Arvind's dream of 'Akhand Bharat' — Unified India — will become a reality in 10-15 years, according to Mohan Bhagwat, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief. This comment was made by Bhagwat during the Prana Pratishtha ritual in Haridwar.

According to the RSS chief, the country's progress on the path of upliftment will take 20-25 years for it to become Akhand Bharat. He also stated that if upliftment accelerates, the time will be cut in half.

"We will talk about nonviolence, but we will also carry a stick in our hands because the world believes in power," Bhagwat stated.

In response to Bhagwat's remarks, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi questioned why "Akhand Bharat" had not been achieved in the previous eight years, why Mohan Bhagwat is talking about creating "Akhand Bharat" in the next 15 years, and on what basis the RSS chief is talking about creating "Akhand Bharat."

Bhagwat's comments drew a rebuke from Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut, who challenged the RSS chief to accomplish Akhand Bharat in 15 days rather than 15 years.

Raut, speaking to reporters, stated, "...to complete 'Akhand Bharat,' who is stopping, first include POK in India, then Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and others. However, instead of promising to complete it in 15 years, complete it in 15 days."