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The Indian National Congress launched a scathing attack on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat following his assertion that India's true independence was achieved only with the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. This statement, delivered during a significant event – the inauguration of the Congress's new headquarters, Indira Gandhi Bhawan – sparked outrage and accusations of undermining the nation's history and the sacrifices of its freedom fighters. The Congress party, in a united front, denounced Bhagwat's remarks, employing strong language to condemn what they perceived as a blatant disregard for India's constitutional foundation and the struggles endured during the independence movement. The reaction wasn't limited to a single leader; prominent figures within the party, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Jairam Ramesh, voiced their collective condemnation, employing terms like 'anti-national,' 'treasonous,' and 'astonishing' to describe Bhagwat's statement.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, was particularly forceful in his criticism, labeling Bhagwat's comments as outright treason. He argued that these statements not only insulted every Indian and their freedom fighters but also invalidated the very struggle for independence and the significance of the Constitution. Gandhi went further, alleging that the BJP and RSS were actively undermining democratic institutions and employing investigative agencies to target opposition leaders. He painted a picture of a concerted effort to consolidate power and suppress dissent, claiming that the Congress was fighting not only against the BJP and RSS but against the Indian state itself, controlled by these forces. This powerful condemnation sets the stage for a potential deepening of the political divide within India.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed Gandhi's sentiments, adding his own condemnation and a stark warning to Bhagwat. Kharge emphasized the RSS's conspicuous absence from the independence movement, highlighting the irony of those who did not participate in the struggle now claiming to define its outcome. His warning that Bhagwat might face difficulties moving around the country if he continued making such statements underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for public reaction to Bhagwat's controversial views. The use of this language – a direct threat hinting at potential social consequences – indicates the high stakes of this political clash and the emotional intensity surrounding the issue. Kharge's point about the RSS's lack of involvement in the freedom struggle directly challenges the legitimacy of Bhagwat's claims, framing his statements not just as incorrect but as historically inaccurate and deliberately provocative.
Jairam Ramesh, a senior Congress leader, further amplified the party's condemnation. He described Bhagwat's remarks as not only astonishing but downright anti-national. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Ramesh emphasized the gross insult to Mahatma Gandhi and the generation that secured India's freedom. He framed Bhagwat's statements as yet another attack on the Constitution, further solidifying the Congress's position that these remarks are not just politically contentious but also a direct threat to the foundations of the Indian state. Ramesh's demand for an immediate apology from Bhagwat highlights the seriousness of the Congress's response and their determination to hold the RSS accountable for what they perceive as a deeply offensive statement. The use of social media platforms like X demonstrates the importance of public opinion and the strategic use of communication channels in this political battle.
Beyond the immediate controversy surrounding Bhagwat's remarks, the event also served as an opportunity for the Congress to reiterate its role as the primary opposition force against the BJP and the RSS. The inauguration of the new party headquarters, Indira Gandhi Bhawan, symbolized a renewed commitment to fighting what they perceive as forces working against the Constitution and democracy. This symbolic gesture, coupled with the pointed criticism of Bhagwat, underscores the party's determination to maintain a strong oppositional stance against the ruling party and its ideological allies. This event also saw the party honoring the legacies of former Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Indira Gandhi, indicating a clear attempt to connect with historical narratives and bolster the party's identity within the broader Indian political landscape.
The Congress also highlighted the success of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, a mass march led by Rahul Gandhi. This march, they claimed, had successfully raised awareness about key issues like inflation, unemployment, and the need for a caste census. The mention of the Yatra further contextualizes the Congress’s criticism of Bhagwat, positioning it within a broader narrative of fighting for the interests of the Indian people against the policies and ideology of the ruling BJP-RSS alliance. The overall message from the Congress is one of steadfast opposition, a renewed sense of purpose, and a strong defense of India's historical narrative and constitutional values against what they perceive as a revisionist and divisive agenda.
Source: 'Downright anti-national': Congress slams RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on 'true independence' remark