In a fiery address at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters in New Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat. Gandhi described Bhagwat’s recent remarks, which suggested that India attained “true independence” only after the consecration of the Ram temple, as an insult to the nation and its Constitution. He went further to label the comments as “treason,” igniting a heated political debate.
Mohan Bhagwat’s Controversial Statement
Mohan Bhagwat’s statement has sparked widespread criticism. According to Bhagwat, India’s independence in 1947 was incomplete, and the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya symbolized the country’s “true freedom.” This remark has drawn sharp responses from various quarters, with Gandhi leading the charge.
Gandhi claimed Bhagwat’s comments undermined the sacrifices of freedom fighters and questioned the legitimacy of India’s Constitution. He said, “To say that India did not get independence in 1947 is an insult to every single Indian person.” Gandhi’s impassioned critique emphasized the significance of the 1947 independence struggle as a cornerstone of Indian democracy.
Addressing Congress workers, Gandhi underscored the challenges faced by his party in what he described as a “battle of ideologies.” He accused the BJP and RSS of “capturing” institutions and using investigative agencies as tools against opposition leaders. “The BJP and RSS have captured every single institution in this country, and we are now fighting not just them but also the Indian state itself,” he said.
Highlighting the symbolic importance of the new Congress headquarters, Gandhi stated that the building represents the party’s commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution. “This building has emerged from the blood of our Congress people and not just Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Patel ji,” he said, urging party workers to draw inspiration from its legacy.
Allegations Against the Election Commission
Another focal point of Gandhi’s speech was his criticism of the Election Commission (EC). He alleged irregularities in the voter lists during the Maharashtra and Haryana elections, pointing to a significant and unexplained increase in voter numbers.
“The Election Commission has refused to provide transparency on the issue. It is their duty to ensure free and fair elections, but their lack of accountability raises serious concerns about the integrity of our electoral process,” Gandhi asserted. He called for greater scrutiny and reforms to safeguard India’s democratic framework.
Gandhi also accused the ruling BJP of weaponizing investigative agencies to suppress dissent and target opposition leaders. “Every opposition leader is under attack, and investigative agencies are being misused to stifle voices of dissent,” he said. He emphasized the need for a unified opposition to counter these challenges, reiterating the Congress’s role as a defender of democratic values.
In his concluding remarks, Gandhi portrayed the Congress as the only viable force capable of countering the BJP and RSS’s “divisive agenda.” He urged party members to remain steadfast in their resolve to protect India’s democratic institutions and secular ethos.
“We are fighting a civilizational war. These people are attacking the ideas we believe in every single day. It is only the Congress that can stop them because we are an ideological party with deep roots in this country’s history and culture,” he said.
Gandhi’s speech resonated with the Congress workers present, reinforcing their commitment to the party’s mission of safeguarding India’s democratic and constitutional ideals.
Rahul Gandhi’s critique of Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks has highlighted a deepening ideological divide in Indian politics. As the Congress continues to challenge the BJP-RSS narrative, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. However, Gandhi’s call for unity and resilience underscores the party’s determination to uphold the values of independence, democracy, and the Constitution.