In New Delhi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader D. Raja fired sharp criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday over his recent praise for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the group’s centenary celebrations. Raja challenged Modi to clarify the RSS’s actual role in India’s freedom struggle, calling the group’s history into question.
Speaking to reporters, Raja pointed out that the RSS formed in 1925—the same year as his own party—but never joined the fight against British rule. “Our party led the charge for complete independence and made huge sacrifices,” he said. “Where was the RSS? What have they really contributed to our social and cultural history? It’s a reactionary force that divides people and threatens national unity. I challenge the Prime Minister to explain the RSS role in the freedom movement to everyone.”
Modi’s comments came a day earlier in the capital, where he hailed the RSS for its century-long efforts in nation-building. He compared the organization to a mighty river, saying it has helped countless lives grow and thrive since 1925. “The RSS has always aimed for a stronger India,” Modi remarked during the event.
Raja wasn’t alone in his pushback. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi also slammed Modi’s claims about the RSS in the Indian independence movement. “The Prime Minister says the RSS fought for freedom, but history proves otherwise—no single RSS member died for the country,” Owaisi told reporters. “I’m shocked by this narrative. Name one if you can; I’m all ears.” He added that RSS founder K.B. Hedgewar had ties to the freedom struggle before starting the group, but that didn’t extend to the organization itself.
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