New Delhi, Jan 16: The Congress party intensified its criticism of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat for his claim that India’s “genuine independence” was marked by the consecration of the Ram temple. This statement, they argue, reveals his lack of faith in the Constitution.
The opposition party emphasized that Bhagwat’s remarks disrespect those who fought valiantly and sacrificed greatly for national freedom.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel stated that the BJP misrepresented Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s comments.
Baghel’s statement followed Rahul Gandhi’s assertion that the Congress was battling the “BJP, RSS, and the Indian state itself,” which led to a controversy with the BJP accusing Gandhi of promoting divisiveness and undermining the nation.
At the launch of the new Congress headquarters, Gandhi condemned Bhagwat’s statement, suggesting that it equates to treason and disrespects every Indian citizen.
During a press conference at the Congress headquarters with media and publicity department head Pawan Khera, Baghel noted that Bhagwat’s comments clearly exhibit his disconnect with the Constitution.
“This also serves as an insult to our forebears who sacrificed so much for our independence,” the Congress leader remarked.
Baghel referred to Gandhi’s assertion that in any other country, such statements as Bhagwat’s would lead to arrest.
“Mohan Bhagwat and his associates have consistently expressed views against the Constitution, aiming to alter its essence,” Baghel added.
He reiterated that Gandhi’s remarks were distorted by the BJP, who portrayed him as accusing the RSS of overtaking all national institutions.
On Monday, Bhagwat stated that the consecration date of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya should be commemorated as “Pratishtha Dwadashi,” indicating that it marked the “true independence” of Bharat, a nation that faced “parachakra” (enemy invasions) for centuries. He noted that after India attained political independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, a Constitution was established based on a specific vision rooted in the country’s essence, yet it hasn’t been executed in the spirit intended at that time. (PTI)
