**Modi’s Praise for RSS Sparks Controversy: Karnataka Congress Leader’s Strong Response**
In the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commendation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his Independence Day speech, Karnataka Congress leader BK Hariprasad has launched a fierce rebuttal, labeling the organization as the “Indian Taliban” and accusing it of inciting unrest in the nation. Hariprasad’s remarks came just a day after Modi celebrated the RSS, which is approaching its centenary, as the “world’s biggest NGO” with a commendable history of national service.
Hariprasad expressed his concerns to the media, stating, “They (RSS) are trying to disturb peace in the country. I will only equate RSS with Taliban; they are Indian Taliban, and PM is appreciating them from the Red Fort.” He further questioned the legal status and funding sources of the RSS, highlighting that it is not a registered organization and raising doubts about its financial transparency. “Was there any ‘Sanghi’ who participated in the freedom struggle? The man who spoke from the Red Fort yesterday… It’s a shame that RSS is not a registered organization. We don’t know where they get funds,” he asserted.
The former Rajya Sabha MP also criticized the BJP and RSS for allegedly distorting historical narratives, particularly regarding the Partition of India. His comments were in response to a recent NCERT module that attributes blame for the Partition to figures like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the Congress party. Hariprasad pointed out, “It was Fazlul Huq and Syama Prasad Mookerjee who moved the first resolution in Bengal for the Partition. Jinnah and Savarkar believed that both religions needed a separate state. They are trying to blame Congress for it.”
In his Independence Day address, Prime Minister Modi praised the RSS for its dedication to “vyakti nirman” (character development) and “rashtra nirman” (nation building) over the past century. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to the welfare of the motherland, reflecting his own background as a former RSS pracharak.
The Congress party has consistently challenged the RSS’s historical contributions, with leaders like Manickam Tagore and Supriya Shrinate criticizing Modi’s remarks and asserting that the organization has historically fostered division and hatred rather than participating in the freedom struggle.
As the RSS prepares to celebrate its centenary in October, coinciding with Vijaya Dashami, the ongoing debate over its role in India’s history and society continues to intensify.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the RSS, and why is it controversial?**
A: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization in India. It is controversial due to accusations of promoting divisive ideologies and its historical absence from the Indian freedom struggle, as claimed by various political opponents.
