Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech on Friday, August 15, 2025, has sparked controversy, with opposition parties criticizing his praise of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the address. Opposition leaders have accused Modi of using the national occasion for political posturing and inappropriately promoting the RSS.

Several opposition figures voiced their concerns. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh described the speech as "stale, hypocritical, insipid, and troubling". He suggested that Modi's mention of the RSS was a strategic move to secure the organization's support as he approaches his 75th birthday in September, possibly to extend his tenure. Ramesh further criticized what he sees as repeated, empty slogans, such as "Viksit Bharat," "Atmanirbhar Bharat," and "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," claiming they lack tangible results and pointed to unfulfilled promises regarding semiconductors, farm laws, and job creation. He called the rhetoric about protecting farmers "hollow and unbelievable". Ramesh stated that Modi's highlighting of the RSS from the Red Fort was a "blatant breach of the spirit of a constitutional, secular republic". He added that Modi's praise of RSS is nothing but a desperate attempt to appease the organization.

Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose accused Modi of using the speech to target "a new enemy" in the form of illegal infiltrators while over-promising on new initiatives. She questioned the government's track record of "over-promising and under-achieving". AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also condemned Modi's glorification of the RSS from the Red Fort, calling it "an insult to the freedom struggle". Owaisi argued that the RSS did not participate in India's independence movement and promotes an exclusionary Hindutva ideology. He questioned why Modi chose to praise the RSS from the Red Fort as Prime Minister, rather than in Nagpur as a "swayamsevak".

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a dig at the Prime Minister, suggesting that the RSS should "thank the British" for its origin during colonial times. He also questioned Modi's "swadeshi" rhetoric, citing trade deficits with China and the US, and argued that Independence Day should not be used for political messaging.

In his speech, Modi hailed the RSS's 100 years as a "very proud and glorious" journey, referring to it as "the biggest NGO in the world". He also announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle illegal infiltration. Modi said that service, dedication, organisation and unparalleled discipline are the identity of the RSS. It was the first time Modi had talked at length about the RSS in his Independence Day speech.

The CPI(M) also criticized Modi's praise of the RSS, calling it "deeply regrettable" that he chose to praise an organization with a dubious historical record and no role in the freedom struggle. The party said that the RSS has consistently sought to undermine national unity along religious lines.

Salman Khurshid of the Congress party acknowledged differing views on the RSS, stating that his party's view differs greatly from that of Modi and his allies. He suggested that the issue should not have been addressed on such an auspicious day.