On the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the Congress party cited excerpts from a book by Mahatma Gandhi's aide Pyarelal to claim that Gandhi described the organisation as a "communal body with a totalitarian outlook". Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the reference from Pyarelal's 1958 book "Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase", Volume II, published by Navajivan Publishing House. The passage details a conversation on September 12, 1947, where Gandhi expressed this view. Pyarelal, who served as Gandhi's secretary after Mahadev Desai's death in 1942, is regarded as a key chronicler of Gandhi's life.

Ramesh noted that five months after this conversation, Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel banned the RSS following Gandhi's assassination on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, a former RSS member. In a letter to Syama Prasad Mookerjee on July 18, 1948, Patel stated that RSS activities created an atmosphere enabling the tragedy and posed a threat to the government. He also addressed a public gathering in Jaipur on December 19, 1948, criticising the organisation. The RSS, founded in 1925 by K.B. Hedgewar, promotes Hindu nationalism and has faced historical scrutiny for its role during India's independence movement and post-partition period.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participating in the RSS centenary celebrations on Wednesday, praised the organisation for its commitment to nation-building despite facing attacks. He released a special postage stamp and a commemorative coin featuring Bharat Mata, marking its first appearance on Indian currency. Modi emphasised the RSS's principle of "nation first", highlighting its contributions over the past century.

Also Read: Hurricane Imelda Slams Bermuda With Fierce Winds, Coastal Flooding, And Heavy Rain

Congress leaders condemned Modi's actions. Ramesh questioned the prime minister's awareness of Patel's views, while general secretary K.C. Venugopal called the honours an insult to India's freedom struggle and Constitution. Venugopal accused the RSS of collaborating with colonial powers and undermining social justice, questioning how an organisation banned by Patel could be celebrated by the government.

Also Read: Andaman Lt Governor Discusses Development Projects With Prime Minister Modi