**Karnataka Deputy CM Critiques RSS Legacy Amid PM Modi’s Praise**
Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, made headlines on Friday by asserting that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) lacks historical significance compared to the Congress party’s extensive legacy. His comments followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commendation of the RSS during his Independence Day address, where he celebrated the organization for its centenary and referred to it as the “world’s biggest NGO.”
Shivakumar emphasized, “RSS is an organization, and we don’t question their credentials. However, it is a newly-formed institution without any historical depth. The Congress party has a much longer and richer history in this country.” He further noted that the RSS had previously refrained from hoisting the national flag, attributing the change to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s efforts.
While acknowledging the RSS’s right to its agenda, Shivakumar reiterated the Congress party’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and serving the nation. His remarks came shortly after PM Modi praised the RSS volunteers for their dedication to “nation building” and “character development” since the organization’s inception in 1925.
The Congress party has consistently challenged the RSS’s role in India’s freedom struggle, accusing it of distancing itself from significant movements such as the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement. Senior Congress leader Manickam Tagore responded to Modi’s comments by highlighting that the RSS’s founder, KB Hedgewar, shifted focus from anti-colonial protests to “cultural nationalism,” with British records labeling the RSS as a “non-threat” compared to the Congress or Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army (INA).
Tagore further claimed that during the Quit India Movement in 1942, RSS chief Golwalkar advised members to steer clear of the protests, asserting that the organization’s legacy is rooted in spreading division rather than fighting colonialism. He stated, “It was this very ideology of hate that led to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.”
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate also criticized PM Modi for his remarks about the RSS during his Red Fort speech, stating, “It is ironic that on Independence Day, the Prime Minister chooses to highlight the RSS, an organization that spreads hatred. Discussions about our freedom fighters should take precedence.”
As the RSS prepares to celebrate its centenary in October, coinciding with Vijaya Dashami, the debate over its historical role and contributions to India’s independence continues to evoke strong opinions from various political factions.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of the RSS in Indian history?**
The RSS, founded in 1925, has been a subject of debate regarding its role in India’s independence movement, with critics arguing it distanced itself from key anti-colonial efforts.
