Congress leaders questioned Mohan Bhagwat as well as RSS’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's praise was more political than factual.
NEW DELHI — As Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praise on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on his 75th birthday, calling him a lifelong contributor to societal transformation, the Congress party expressed strong disagreement with the former and also accused him of distorting the history.
Congress leaders questioned Mohan Bhagwat as well as RSS’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, suggesting that the praise was more political than factual.
Speaking to IANS, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat said, “What could be a bigger irony? There are documented instances of the RSS holding meetings with British officials. The same organisation that opposed the Quit India Movement in 1942, that refused to adopt the Constitution in spirit, and that didn’t hoist the national flag at its office—PM Modi is now glorifying. What exactly was Bhagwat’s role in the freedom struggle? This is just buttering on his birthday.”
Congress MP Tariq Anwar also reacted and said, “The RSS’s role in India’s freedom movement is at best controversial and at worst complicit with the British. They were never part of Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom struggle. PM Modi is wrong, but he is also helpless—after all, he comes from the RSS fold himself.”
Adding to the criticism, Congress MP Manoj Kumar questioned the selective activism of the RSS.
“When PM Modi’s mother was allegedly insulted, RSS workers hit the streets and called for a Bihar Bandh. But where are these protests when Dalit women are assaulted? Why this selective outrage? Everyone knows the RSS is controlling the government. What happened with former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. It’s clear now whatever the RSS wants, the government follows. It’s time we move beyond caste and religion and focus on real development,” he told IANS.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi extended his wishes to RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on his 75th birthday, recognising his contributions, leadership, and personal qualities.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’, PM Modi said: “Inspired by the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji has dedicated his entire life to societal transformation and strengthening the spirit of harmony and fraternity.”
He added, “On the special occasion of his 75th birthday, penned a few thoughts on Mohan Ji and his inspiring personality. Praying for his long and healthy life in service of Maa Bharti.”
In a detailed blog post, PM Modi reflected on Bhagwat’s early journey in the RSS, his influence on national movements, and his leadership style.
“Mohan Bhagwat Ji has always been a strong voter of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’,” he added.
He began by marking the significance of the date, September 11 and said, “This day evokes two contrasting remembrances. The first dates back to 1893, when Swami Vivekananda delivered his iconic Chicago address… The second is the gruesome 9/11 attacks, when this very principle came under attack thanks to the menace of terrorism and radicalism.” — IANS
