Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address from the Red Fort has ignited a political firestorm, primarily due to his remarks praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Congress party has led the charge in criticizing Modi's speech, denouncing it as a "blatant breach of the spirit of a constitutional, secular republic" and a desperate attempt to appease the RSS.
Congress leaders have alleged that Modi's praise for the RSS is a calculated move to secure his position within the party and government, particularly as he approaches his 75th birthday next month. This is in reference to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's previous remarks that leaders should give way to younger leaders at the age of 75. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary, stated it was nothing but a 'desperate attempt to appease' the RSS in the run-up to his 75th birthday next month’. Manickam Tagore, a Congress MP, tweeted that Modi is "blocking the plan for his own retirement on Sept 17, 2025" to please the RSS.
The Congress has also attacked the RSS's historical role, with leaders pointing out its absence from the freedom struggle and accusing it of promoting division and hatred. Some Congress leaders have directly linked the RSS's ideology to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Supriya Shrinate, a Congress spokesperson, expressed sadness that Modi took the name of an organization banned by Sardar Vallabhai Patel from the Red Fort. She added that speaking of RSS on a day dedicated to national unity should have been avoided.
Other opposition parties have joined the Congress in condemning Modi's remarks. CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby said it was "deeply regrettable" that Modi chose to praise an organization with a "dubious historical record". AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said glorifying the RSS in an Independence Day speech is an insult to the freedom struggle. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, accused the BJP of straying from secular and socialist principles.
In response to the criticism, some BJP leaders and allies have defended Modi's speech. They have lauded his emphasis on national security, development, and self-reliance. Some have also praised Modi's stance against protectionist moves by foreign nations.
The controversy has also extended to the absence of Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, prominent Congress leaders, from the Independence Day event at the Red Fort. The BJP has criticized their absence as a sign of disrespect, linking it to the Congress's past criticism of Operation Sindoor, which was the central theme of this year's celebration. The Congress, however, has cited disagreements over seating arrangements and the politicization of national events as reasons for their absence.
The political fallout from Modi's speech highlights the deep ideological divisions in India and the ongoing debate over the role of the RSS in the country's history and present. The Congress party's strong reaction suggests that it intends to make this issue a key point of contention in the lead-up to future elections.
