Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech has unleashed a firestorm of controversy, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) and opposition leaders accusing him of tarnishing the legacy of India’s freedom fighters by praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). On the 79th anniversary of India’s independence, PM Modi’s tribute to the RSS, which he lauded as the “world’s biggest NGO” for its century-long service, has ignited a fierce debate over the organization’s historical role and its place in the narrative of India’s freedom struggle.
In his address, PM Modi celebrated the RSS’s 100-year journey as “proud and glorious,” applauding its volunteers for their unwavering commitment to nation-building. He highlighted the organization’s efforts in promoting social unity, education, and disaster relief, framing it as a cornerstone of India’s cultural and social fabric.
However, these remarks provoked a sharp rebuke from CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby, who called the praise “deeply regrettable” and accused the RSS of having a “dubious historical record.” In a post on X, Baby argued that the RSS played no role in India’s fight against colonial rule and instead worked to “undermine national unity along religious lines.” He cited historical accounts linking the RSS to communal violence and its ban following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, asserting that PM Modi’s remarks dishonored the memory of martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and lesser-known freedom fighters like Com. P Krishna Pillai and Akkamma Cheriyan.
The criticism resonated across opposition ranks. Congress leader Supriya Shrinate labeled the RSS’s mention as “a big irony,” pointing out that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a towering figure in India’s independence movement, had banned the organization in 1948 for its alleged role in fostering communal discord. She argued that praising the RSS on a day meant to honor the sacrifices of freedom fighters was an affront to their legacy. Other opposition voices, including the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), echoed these sentiments, with AAP leader Sanjay Singh questioning the RSS’s contributions to the freedom struggle and accusing PM Modi of rewriting history to suit political allies.
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The controversy has reignited long-standing debates about the RSS’s historical stance during India’s independence movement. Historians note that the RSS, founded in 1925, focused on cultural nationalism rather than direct participation in anti-colonial protests, often clashing ideologically with the inclusive vision of leaders like Gandhi and Nehru.
The organization’s brief bans—first after Gandhi’s assassination and later in 1992 following the Babri Masjid demolition—remain contentious points in its history. Critics argue that PM Modi’s endorsement of the RSS glosses over these complexities, while supporters, including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, defend the organization as a patriotic force that has long served India’s social and cultural interests.
Public reactions on social media platforms like X have been polarized. Posts from RSS supporters hailed PM Modi’s speech as a bold recognition of the organization’s contributions, while others, including academics and activists, accused the prime minister of politicizing a national occasion. One X user, historian Dr. Rakesh Verma, wrote, “The RSS’s absence from the freedom struggle is well-documented. To elevate it on Independence Day is to rewrite history at the expense of our martyrs.” Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya countered, “The RSS has served India selflessly for 100 years. The opposition’s outrage is just political posturing.”
As India commemorates its 79th Independence Day, the row over PM Modi’s speech underscores the deep ideological divides that continue to shape the nation’s political discourse. For the CPI(M) and its allies, the prime minister’s remarks represent a betrayal of the inclusive spirit of the freedom movement. For PM Modi and his supporters, the RSS’s recognition is a rightful acknowledgment of its contributions to India’s cultural identity. The debate is likely to persist, fueling discussions about history, nationalism, and the legacy of India’s independence as the nation moves forward.
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