August 17, 2025

NEW DELHI: On Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling its 100-year journey "very proud and glorious." Modi called the RSS probably the "world's biggest NGO" and thanked all its volunteers for their dedicated service to the nation. But his warm words for the RSS did not go unnoticed by opposition parties, who slammed him for praising the Hindutva organisation. However, BJP did not stay quiet! Amit Malviya, BJP's IT department head, hit back hard. He reminded everyone how India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, had invited the RSS to join the Republic Day parade in 1963 and called it an "organisation of patriots." Malviya said, "As the RSS marks 100 years, it is fitting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentions it from the Red Fort." He also said, "India's public discourse today is shaped by RSS ideology, while the Congress is detached not only from the realities of our times but also from Nehru himself." This statement came as a sharp reply to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh's criticism of Modi's remarks. Modi himself has a long connection with the RSS as a "pracharak" — a full-time volunteer. He has praised the organisation many times before. On this special day, he chose to highlight the RSS's journey since its founding in 1925. The RSS has always been linked closely with the BJP, with its key members holding important roles in the party. So, while the opposition criticizes, the ruling party stands firm, celebrating RSS's legacy as a major force shaping India’s political and social landscape today.

Read More at Timesofindia →

Tags: Rss, Narendra modi, Independence day speech, Bjp, Congress, Indian politics,