The Congress party has launched a scathing attack on the RSS, accusing it of siding with the British during India’s freedom struggle and actively working to suppress the Quit India movement. Congress highlighted that while freedom fighters were imprisoned and executed, RSS members remained free, allegedly poisoning minds with Hindu-Muslim division. They criticize the growing influence of RSS ideology in government, claiming it undermines social justice and promotes division. Congress asserts that the RSS’s agenda revolves around seizing power through Hindu-Muslim tensions and that their actions are the root of many of India’s problems.

Highlights

Here are the highlights of the article in bullet points:

* Congress criticized PM Modi’s claims and stated that the Congress party and other groups fought for freedom, while the RSS sided with the British.
* Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned how many RSS members were jailed or hanged by the British.
* Congress alleged that during the Quit India Movement in 1942, the RSS joined hands with the British to suppress the agitation.
* Congress stated that the RSS is a communal and hateful organization whose workers are directly running the government.
* Congress alleged that the British never banned the RSS and that none of its volunteers were ever sent to jail.
* Congress claims that the RSS’s agenda is to seize power by igniting Hindu-Muslim tensions and spreading hatred.
* Congress stated that the RSS is the root of most problems in the country and is selling out the country by misusing power.

Congress Launches Scathing Attack on RSS, Accuses Them of Siding with British During Independence Struggle

The Indian National Congress has unleashed a fierce critique of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing the organization of collaborating with the British during India’s fight for independence. The attack comes in response to recent remarks made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a long-time member of the RSS, praising the organization’s spirit and service. This heated exchange has ignited a political firestorm, bringing historical allegiances and ideological divides back into the spotlight.

A History of Ideological Conflict: Congress vs. RSS

The Congress party’s broadside isn’t just a fleeting political jab; it’s a deep-seated expression of a historical and ideological conflict that has shaped India’s political landscape for decades. Congress, which led India’s independence movement, views the RSS as an organization fundamentally opposed to its secular and inclusive vision of India.

“It is our country’s misfortune that workers of a communal and hateful organisation like RSS are directly running govt,” Congress declared in a statement.

The Core of the Accusation

The central charge leveled against the RSS is that while Congress leaders and activists were enduring imprisonment and even execution for their role in the freedom struggle, the RSS remained conspicuously absent from the frontlines, even seemingly collaborating with the colonial rulers.

Key Points of the Congress’s Allegations:

• Absence from the Quit India Movement: Congress claims that during the pivotal Quit India Movement of 1942, when the entire nation rose up against British rule, the RSS chose to align itself with the “imperial masters” to suppress the agitation.
• Lack of Imprisonment: A recurring theme in the Congress’s attack is the assertion that no RSS volunteers were ever imprisoned by the British. This, they argue, is evidence of a tacit understanding or even collaboration between the RSS and the colonial government.
• Promoting Division: Congress accuses the RSS of poisoning the minds of the people with Hindu-Muslim division, furthering their own agenda while undermining national unity.

The Emotional Weight of History

This is not merely a debate about historical facts; it’s a deeply emotional argument that taps into the core of Indian identity and the sacrifices made for independence. For many Indians, the freedom struggle is a sacred chapter in the nation’s history, and any perceived betrayal of that struggle is met with strong condemnation.

“Tell us how many of your people (RSS) went to the jail, and how many were hanged by the British,” questioned Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, highlighting the emotional crux of the issue.

A Deeper Dive: Examining the Historical Record

While Congress paints a damning picture of the RSS’s role during the independence movement, the historical reality is more complex and subject to differing interpretations. Historians and political analysts offer various perspectives, some of which challenge the Congress’s narrative.

Counterarguments and Nuances:

• Focus on Cultural Revival: Some argue that the RSS’s primary focus during the pre-independence era was on cultural revival and Hindu consolidation rather than direct political agitation.
• Differing Strategies: Proponents of the RSS might argue that their strategy for achieving independence differed from that of Congress, emphasizing social reform and cultural strengthening as a means to eventual self-rule.
• Selective Interpretation: Critics of the Congress’s narrative accuse the party of selectively interpreting historical events to demonize the RSS for political gain.

Statistical Considerations

It is difficult to find comprehensive statistical data definitively proving or disproving the extent of RSS participation in the freedom movement.

• Research from independent historians is needed to quantify the involvement (or lack thereof) of RSS members in various independence movements.
• Archival records of British colonial authorities could provide some insights, though access and interpretation of these records remain a challenge.

The Modern Implications: Power, Politics, and Polarization

The Congress’s attack on the RSS isn’t just about settling historical scores; it’s about the present and future of Indian politics. The RSS, with its vast network of affiliated organizations, is widely considered to be the ideological backbone of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

• Influence on Governance: Congress argues that the RSS’s ideology, which they characterize as advocating for “Manusmriti over the Constitution,” is shaping government policies and undermining social justice.
• Hindu-Muslim Tensions: The Congress accuses the RSS of deliberately stoking Hindu-Muslim tensions to consolidate its power base.
• Erosion of Institutions: The party alleges that the RSS is capturing key institutions and “selling out the country” through its policies.

The statement “Even 78 years after Independence, RSS has only one agenda — seizing power by igniting Hindu-Muslim tensions, capturing institutions, and spreading hatred and frenzy,” illustrates the severity of Congress’s claims.

A Call to Action: Defending India’s Secular Fabric

The Congress’s attack on the RSS can also be seen as a call to action, urging citizens to defend India’s secular and pluralistic values against what they perceive as a growing threat from Hindu nationalism.

The Congress’s message is clear:

• The RSS is a divisive force that undermines national unity and social harmony.
• Its influence on the government is detrimental to the interests of marginalized communities.
• Citizens must resist the RSS’s agenda and uphold the principles of the Constitution.

The Critical Question: Where Do We Go From Here?

The clash between Congress and the RSS raises fundamental questions about India’s identity, its history, and its future. How do we reconcile conflicting narratives of the past? How do we bridge the ideological divides that threaten to tear the nation apart? How do we ensure that India remains a land of tolerance, diversity, and justice for all?

These are not easy questions, and there are no easy answers. But engaging in open, honest, and respectful dialogue is essential if we are to build a better future for India. The Congress’s attack on the RSS, while controversial, may serve as a catalyst for such a dialogue, forcing us to confront uncomfortable truths and re-examine our understanding of the past.

Don’t Let History Be Rewritten: Take Action Now!

Do you believe in a secular and inclusive India? Do you think it’s crucial to protect the values enshrined in our Constitution? Then, it’s time to stand up and make your voice heard.

• Educate Yourself: Research the history of the RSS and its role in Indian society. Read different perspectives and form your own informed opinion.
• Engage in Dialogue: Talk to people who hold different views. Listen to their arguments and share your own.
• Support Secular Organizations: Contribute to organizations that promote social justice, equality, and interfaith harmony.
• Hold Your Leaders Accountable: Demand that your elected representatives uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of all citizens.
• Share This Article: Spread awareness about the concerns raised by the Congress party and encourage others to take action.

The future of India depends on our collective commitment to upholding its founding principles. Let’s work together to build a nation where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued.