Political Tensions Flare: Modi's Praise of RSS Sparks Criticism

In a sharp rebuke, Congress MLA BR Patil criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his commendation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the 79th Independence Day address. Patil alleged that Modi's statements aimed to appease the RSS and secure his position amidst internal party politics, while highlighting RSS's lack of involvement in the freedom struggle and its failure to hoist the national flag at their headquarters for decades.

Voices of dissent continued as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi took issue with Modi's accolades for the RSS, describing it as a 'great insult' to those who fought for India's independence. Owaisi contended that the RSS harbored animosity towards freedom fighters, preferring the shadows of the British, and consistently opposed the inclusive nationalism that propelled the country's freedom movement.

Owaisi further criticized the RSS for championing a Hindutva ideology, which he argued contradicted constitutional principles. He condemned the Prime Minister's endorsement of an organization he accuses of sowing divisiveness. Modi's controversial Red Fort speech stood in stark contrast as he lauded the RSS's century-long service to the nation, framing it as the 'biggest NGO in the world.'

(With inputs from agencies.)