Rahul: Bhagwat’s ‘true independence’ is treason.
He emphasized that the Congress party is inaugurating its new headquarters at a time when such statements are being made, highlighting the contrast between the party’s celebration of independence and Bhagwat’s controversial interpretation of history.
Rahul Gandhi Condemns Mohan Bhagwat’s ‘True Independence’ Remark as Treason
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, January 15, launched a sharp attack on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his controversial statement that India achieved “true independence” only
In a press briefing, Gandhi expressed his strong disapproval of Bhagwat’s comments, accusing him of undermining the sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters who struggled for India’s independence from British rule. Bhagwat’s statement, which was made during a public address, stirred controversy as it seemed to suggest that the independence gained in 1947 was incomplete or illegitimate.
It is an attack on the very essence of what independence means for India,” Gandhi remarked. “This kind of statement is not just incorrect but treasonous, as it undermines the hard-fought freedom that every Indian and our freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for.”
The Congress leader further emphasized that Bhagwat’s remarks were part of a broader narrative promoted by the RSS, which Gandhi argued sought to distort India’s historical timeline and marginalize the contributions of those who fought for the nation’s independence. He called on citizens to reject such divisive statements and reaffirm the value of the freedom achieved in 1947, which was marked by years of struggle, protests, and sacrifices.
Bhagwat’s Controversial Statement
Mohan Bhagwat’s comments came during a ceremony celebrating the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, an event that has significant religious and political ramifications in India. The temple, which was a symbol of the Hindu community’s aspirations for decades, was finally consecrated in 2023 after years of legal and political struggles, with the issue of the Babri Masjid’s demolition in 1992 being central to the debate.
During his address, Bhagwat stated that while India had gained political independence in 1947, it was the “true independence” represented by the Ram temple consecration that truly reflected the spirit of the nation’s freedom. The remark was seen by many as an attempt to link religious identity with the idea of national independence, which has been a hallmark of the RSS’s ideology.
Political Backlash
Rahul Gandhi’s comments were echoed by several opposition leaders who condemned Bhagwat’s remarks as an attempt to rewrite history and further polarize Indian society. They argued that independence in 1947, achieved through the leadership of figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, and countless others, cannot be diminished by such divisive statements.
Their comments show disrespect to the vision of a united and diverse India that our freedom struggle was built upon,” said a senior opposition leader.
Gandhi’s Call for Unity
Gandhi called for a collective effort to safeguard India’s secular and democratic values, stressing that the country’s independence was founded on principles of unity, equality, and justice for all citizens, regardless of their religion. He urged the public to reject any narrative that sought to undermine the diversity and pluralism of Indian society.
We will not allow anyone to distort it for political gain.”
As the political discourse around Bhagwat’s remarks intensifies, the controversy has sparked a larger debate about the ideological direction of the RSS and its influence on India’s political landscape. With the Congress set to continue challenging these views, the issue is expected to remain a key talking point in the lead-up to the upcoming state and national elections.