Congress renews attack on Mohan Bhagwat; calls RSS chief’s remarks an insult to freedom fighters

Congress leaders Bhupesh Baghel (left) and Pawan Khera address a press conference, in New Delhi, January 16, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Countering the criticism levelled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against Rahul Gandhi’s comments about the Congress being in a fight with the “Indian state”, the Congress fielded former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday to renew its attack on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat over his remarks that India’s “true independence” was established on the day of Ram temple’s consecration. 

Mr. Baghel said, that Mr. Bhagwat’s remarks clearly show that he does not believe in the Constitution. Mr. Baghel also accused the BJP of twisting Mr. Gandhi’s remarks out of context. 

Speaking at the inauguration of Congress’s new headquarters, Mr. Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had said, “If you believe that we are fighting a political organisation called the BJP, that we are fighting a political organisation called the RSS, you have not understood what is going on. The BJP and the RSS have captured every single institution of our country. We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS, and the Indian state itself.”

Mr. Gandhi had also slammed Mr. Bhagwat’s remarks on Indian independence. 

Addressing a press conference along with Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera at the Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road here, Mr. Baghel said, “It also means that he is insulting our ancestors who fought for Independence and made innumerable sacrifices.”

Reiterating Mr. Gandhi’s remarks from Wednesday Mr. Baghel said that if anyone would have given a statement like Mr. Bhagwat in any other country, that person would have been arrested. “Mohan Bhagwat and BJP MPs have been speaking against the Constitution and they want to change the Constitution,” Mr. Baghel said. To a pointed question on why the Congress is not going ahead and filing a case against Mr. Bhagwat, Mr. Baghel said that all institutions including the police are under the control of the government. He asked, “Will Delhi Police allow anyone to file a FIR against Mr. Bhagwat?”