In a remark likely to court controversy, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Wednesday said every person born in India is a Hindu.
"Everyone born in the country is a Hindu - - of these some are idol - worshipers and some are not.
Even Muslims are Hindus by nationality, they are Muslims by faith only, " he said at an event here.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader is on an eight - day visit to Madhya Pradesh.
"Just as the English live in England, Americans in America and Germans in Germany, Hindus live in Hindustan, " he said.
"It is no surprise if members of Rashtriya Muslim Manch do an 'aarti' of Bharat Mata because they are Hindus. . .
They may have become Muslims by faith but they are Hindus by nationality, " he added.
He also called upon people to rise above caste, religion and language.