Why Does K'taka BJP Claim CM Siddaramaiah Shouldn't Speak About RSS or PM Modi?

Bengaluru, Aug 16 (NationPress) In a strong rebuttal to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commendation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during his 79th Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, the Karnataka BJP has asserted that the Chief Minister lacks the credibility to discuss either the RSS or PM Modi.

Karnataka BJP President, B.Y. Vijayendra, stated on Saturday, "Under the shadow of Congress, which still embodies a slave mentality that disrespects our freedom struggle, you have no right to speak on the RSS or Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

He further criticized, "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you are not an authentic Congressman. Your political roots are from a time when the 'Emergency' was opposed. By defending Congress today, you disrespect the great leaders of the 1970s who fought against the Emergency to protect democracy and the essence of our freedom movement. Your shift to Congress for selfish, power-driven reasons has stripped you of your moral right to discuss the Constitution and democracy."

Vijayendra emphasized that Siddaramaiah condemned the acknowledgment of the RSS' contributions in the Independence Day address as an affront to the Constitution. He countered, "It was the Congress party during the Emergency that undermined the essence of the Constitution, crushed democracy, and exhibited authoritarianism. That remains a significant blemish in India’s political narrative."

He further elaborated, "The RSS is not a political entity but a patriotic organization founded for nation-building, enduring for a century, and operating on principles of service and equality. The dedication of countless RSS volunteers working towards a casteless society was recognized by Mahatma Gandhi himself, as documented in history."

During the China war, the RSS stood alongside brave soldiers in service to the nation. Acknowledging this, then Prime Minister Nehru invited the RSS to participate in the Republic Day parade as a tribute to its service, Vijayendra pointed out. "With noble ideals and objectives, the RSS has broadened its activities beyond India, representing Indian values globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly acknowledged the achievements and contributions of the RSS in his Independence Day speech, highlighting the organization’s role in continuing the legacy of the freedom struggle."

Vijayendra questioned why the Congress party and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were so unsettled by this recognition, stating, "This aligns with the sentiments of over a billion Indians."

He noted that the Congress was originally formed to promote the freedom movement across the nation and criticized its continued existence as a political party post-Independence, despite suggestions from many freedom fighters, including Gandhi. He remarked that this persistence has led the Congress to become tightly controlled by a single family, often acting against the nation’s interests, which has contributed to its current marginalization in India’s political landscape.

Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka commented on the matter, stating, "Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Jayaprakash Narayan have historically acknowledged the service and brotherhood represented by the RSS, regardless of party lines."

He recalled that in 1934, during a visit to an RSS camp, Gandhi observed volunteers living harmoniously, united in their goal of serving the nation without distinctions of caste or religion. Ashoka underlined Gandhi's remark, "The RSS has fulfilled my dream of creating a casteless, untouchability-free society."

He cautioned, "By disparaging the RSS, you may gain favor with the Congress high command and the Gandhi family, and perhaps appease some Leftists and intellectuals. However, no true patriot will condone the Congress party’s disparagement of a nationalist organization for political advantage. Do not diminish your reputation in the eyes of millions of patriots merely to appease a select few."

Earlier, CM Siddaramaiah took to social media X on Friday, stating, "In his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeled the RSS as the world's largest NGO. Let’s be clear: it is not an NGO; it is the world's largest for-political profit, for-hate, and the most divisive organization - unregistered, non-tax-paying, and conspiring to divide Indians."