What has Mohan Bhagwat done for nation-building: Cong questions PM Modi’s praise for RSS Chief

PM Modi Praises RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat on 75th Birthday, Sparks Congress Backlash

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showered praise on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat as he turned 75, calling him a dedicated force for societal change and harmony. But the move didn’t sit well with the Congress party, which slammed it as political hype and accused the RSS of twisting India’s history.

Modi shared his warm wishes on social media platform X, highlighting Bhagwat’s lifelong commitment to "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the idea that the world is one family. In a heartfelt blog post, he linked the date to Swami Vivekananda’s famous 1893 Chicago speech and contrasted it with the tragic 9/11 attacks, positioning Bhagwat as a beacon of unity against terrorism and division.

"Shri Mohan Bhagwat Ji has dedicated his life to societal transformation and strengthening harmony," Modi wrote. He shared personal stories, noting his close ties to Bhagwat’s father, Madhukarrao Bhagwat, a key RSS figure who shaped his son’s path. Modi described Bhagwat’s journey as an RSS Pracharak – far from just campaigning, it’s about grassroots service – especially during tough times like the 1975 Emergency in rural Maharashtra.

From roles like Akhil Bharatiya Sharirik Pramukh in the 1990s to becoming Sarsanghchalak in 2009, Modi lauded Bhagwat’s "Nation First" approach, blending tradition with modern adaptation. "He’s a strong believer in Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat," Modi added, wishing him a long life in service to Mother India.

But Congress leaders weren’t buying it. They fired back, questioning the RSS’s role in India’s freedom struggle and nation-building. MP Sukhdeo Bhagat called it ironic, pointing to historical records of RSS meetings with British officials, opposition to the 1942 Quit India Movement, reluctance to embrace the Constitution, and even not flying the national flag at its headquarters. "What was Bhagwat’s contribution to the freedom fight? This is just birthday flattery," Bhagat told .

MP Tariq Anwar went further, labeling the RSS’s freedom movement involvement as "controversial at best, complicit with the British at worst." He noted they stayed away from Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts and quipped that Modi, with his RSS roots, has little choice but to praise him.

MP Manoj Kumar highlighted what he sees as RSS’s selective activism. "When PM Modi’s mother faced alleged insults, RSS workers called for a Bihar Bandh. But where’s the outrage over assaults on Dalit women?" he asked. Kumar also referenced tensions with former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, claiming the RSS pulls the government’s strings. "It’s time to rise above caste and religion for real development," he urged.

The exchange underscores ongoing political tensions between the BJP-RSS alliance and opposition parties like Congress, especially around the RSS’s historical legacy and influence on governance. As the RSS nears its centenary this year, debates about its role in modern India show no signs of fading.

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