Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks about India’s independence, labeling them as “treason. Gandhi’s statement came during the inauguration of the new All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday.
Addressing party members, Gandhi stated, “I think it is quite symbolic that yesterday, the chief of the RSS said that India never achieved Independence in 1947. He stated that he got the true independence only when the construction of Ram Mandir was completed. Mahan Bhagwat was challenged yesterday by Mr. Mohan Bhagwat when he stated the Constitution was not a mark of our freedom.
Bhagwat’s Controversial Remarks
Reflecting on India’s independence, Mohan Bhagwat observed that it was only with the consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya last year that the, after centuries of foreign domination, real liberation of India was achieved. Bhagwat says that political independence of 1947 was a turning point, rather, the Constitution was not implemented in the true way in which the selfhood of the country was desired.
These comments drew sharp criticism from Gandhi, who accused the RSS chief of undermining the spirit of India’s independence movement and disrespecting the Constitution.
“An Insult to Every Indian”
Gandhi did not mince words in his “appall” to Bhagwat, expressing, “Mohan Bhagwat is so bold as to tell the country every now and then his views on the Independence movement and Constitution. What he said yesterday is treason. To say that our constitution is wrong is an insult to each and every one of the Indians. In any other place, he would be detained, and charged with criminal offences.
He drew attention to the narrative with the result that it damages the sacrifice in the achievement of freedom and urged the people to repudiate the narrative. [It’s time] We just stop giving credence to the nonsense that these people keep repeating and yelling about, Gandhi said.
Criticism of BJP and RSS
Gandhi further attacked the BJP and RSS, accusing them of having a vision for India that stands in stark contrast to the Congress ideology. He has charged that the BJP RSS leaders do not hold the national flag or the constitution in high esteem.
Almighty powers of at present ruling class do not kneel to the tricolour, do not understand how to fly the national flag, and do not protect the Constitution. According to him, they have ambitions to quash the voice of the Dalits, minorities and the backward classes in India. Gandhi announced further that the Congress is the only party that can challenge the BJP-RSS narrative.
Allegations of Institutional Capture
Continuing his sharp criticism, Gandhi accused the BJP and RSS of controlling all major institutions in the country. “Do not think we are fighting a fair fight. There is no fairness in this. If you think that we are battling only an opposition political group, the BJP or RSS, you’ve misinterpreted everything. The both BJP and RSS have taken over every single body in our country. We are now fighting not only them but also the Indian State itself, he asserted.
Gandhi called upon his party faithful to understand the magnitude of the task at hand and back Congress, and to do so with Congress, “ideas of inclusion that are, God willing, thousands of years old.
BJP’s Counterattack
On the incumbent’s utterance, the BJP termed him “anti-national” and charged him with, is to say the least, damaging the interest of the country. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Rahul Gandhi is in remote control of those forces who want to finish the Indian state! His intentions are against national interest.”
BJP has repeatedly challenged Gandhi’s accusations by implying that Gandhi works with elements aiming at destabilization of the country.
A Deepening Political Divide
The controversy highlights the deepening political and ideological separation between the Congress and the BJP-RSS coalition. Although the Congress still supports secular and inclusive administration, the Congress supporters, BJP and RSS, stress their vision of a culturally cohesive India.
Since the political rhetoric has heightened, it appears that the, strong rhetoric of Gandhi provides indication to the Congress party’s resolve to, staunchly counter the messages disseminated by the RSS and BJP, especially now that the country is preparing to, face the upcoming elections.
“Stay updated with the latest news and insights – follow us at YPBB News on X for real-time updates and exclusive stories!”
