Independence Day speech<\/a> from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sparked a fresh political debate by lavishing praise on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Addressing the nation on the 79th anniversary of India\u2019s independence, the Prime Minister lauded the RSS on its centennial anniversary, calling its 100-year journey of national service a \u201cvery proud and glorious” chapter. He referred to the organisation as the \u201cworld\u2019s biggest NGO” and saluted its volunteers for their dedication to \u201ccharacter building” and \u201cnation-building”.<\/p>\nThis direct and prominent reference to the RSS from the national podium drew immediate and sharp criticism from the Congress, which accused the Prime Minister of politicising the national event. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh called the mention of the RSS a \u201cblatant breach of the spirit of a constitutional, secular republic.” In a post on X, he alleged it was a \u201cdesperate attempt to appease the organisation” in the run-up to the Prime Minister\u2019s 75th birthday next month, hinting at a power struggle within the Sangh. Ramesh further described the speech as \u201cstale, hypocritical, insipid,” and a \u201cbland mix of self-congratulation and selective storytelling”.<\/p>\n
Another Congress MP, Manickam Tagore, took to social media to criticise the RSS\u2019s role in India\u2019s history. He posted that the \u201cRSS\u2019s legacy is not of fighting colonialism\u2014but of spreading hate and division among fellow Indians.” He further accused the Prime Minister of \u201cInsulting the memory of real Freedom Fighters for the sake of an organisation that stayed aloof from the struggle.”<\/p>\n
The BJP was quick to defend the Prime Minister\u2019s remarks, citing the RSS\u2019s contributions to society and national development. BJP spokespersons argued that the organisation\u2019s century-long record of social work, disaster relief, and character development was a source of national pride. They also pointed to what they claimed were past instances of Congress leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, acknowledging the RSS\u2019s role in nation-building, framing the criticism as a politically motivated attack born out of frustration.<\/p>\n
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