Congress MP Compares RSS to Al-Qaeda, Sparks Controversy
Controversial Remarks by Congress MP
On Sunday, Congress MP Manickam Tagore stirred controversy by likening the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the Islamic terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. He accused the BJP's ideological mentor of spreading and promoting hatred. This statement came in response to Congress leader Digvijaya Singh's praise for the organizational strength of the RSS, to which Tagore remarked that there is nothing to learn from the RSS, which he described as the ideological source of Hindutva.
Responses from Political Figures
Tagore emphasized that the RSS is an organization that propagates hatred, drawing parallels with Al-Qaeda, which is also known for spreading terror. He stated, "There is nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organization known for Godse teach us?" Congress MP Shashi Tharoor added that he desires a strong organization with discipline, suggesting that Digvijaya Singh could address this matter himself.
RSS Defends Its Legacy
In response, RSS member Indresh Kumar dismissed Tagore's comments as indicative of the "intellectual and mental bankruptcy" of Congress leadership and its members. He highlighted the RSS's century-long contributions to discipline, patriotism, and nation-building, suggesting that Tagore's remarks reveal a deeper divide within the Congress party.
BJP's Reaction
BJP MP Jagdambika Pal criticized Tagore, suggesting he is unaware of the RSS's history, which focuses on character building and prioritizes the nation. He contrasted this with Al-Qaeda, which he labeled a terrorist organization. Pal urged Rahul Gandhi to take action against Tagore for his remarks.
Internal Party Tensions
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a jab at Digvijaya Singh, who publicly praised the organizational strength of the BJP and RSS before a Congress Working Committee meeting, creating a political uproar and discomfort within the party. Although Singh later clarified that he opposes Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the RSS ideology, the damage was already done.
Digvijaya Singh's Clarification
During a Congress foundation day event, Rahul Gandhi remarked on Singh's earlier comments, stating, "You have played a trick." Singh had shared an old photo on social media showing Narendra Modi sitting on the ground while senior BJP leader LK Advani sat behind him, using it to illustrate how an RSS volunteer rose to become a chief minister and eventually a prime minister, showcasing a strong organizational structure. This post received immediate backlash in political circles.
Conclusion
As criticism mounted, Singh clarified that his intention was merely to acknowledge organizational strength, not to endorse any ideology or leadership. He believes that appreciating organizational building is not a crime. After the Congress Working Committee meeting, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi addressed the media but avoided questions related to Singh's post.