Bengaluru, Aug 15 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has voiced strong criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), labeling it as the “most divisive organisation”.

In a post on social media platform X on Friday, Siddaramaiah remarked, “During his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to 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 most divisive organisation - unregistered, non-tax-paying, and conspiring to pit Indians against each other.”

He emphasized that the Red Fort should not serve as a platform for BJP rallies, highlighting its historical significance where PM Modi ought to represent all Indians instead of promoting his party’s parent organisation.

“By extolling the RSS, PM Modi spoke as an RSS pracharak, not as the leader of 140 crore people. However, his admiration today was merely a desperate attempt to appease the RSS, particularly when he finds himself politically vulnerable and dependent on its support for his future,” he stated.

Siddaramaiah referenced PM Modi’s claim that “the country is proud” of the RSS’s 100-year history.

“Mr. Modi, you forfeit the moral authority to represent the entire nation when you endorse an organisation that played no role in the freedom struggle, opposed the Tricolour, and has countered the notion of an equal and inclusive India,” he asserted.

Siddaramaiah pointed out that the RSS is the same organisation whose ideology was linked to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and that has faced bans three times in independent India for inciting hate.

“Is PM Modi unaware that the RSS has distorted true Hinduism—a faith of diversity and tolerance—into a narrow perspective where anyone outside it is regarded as a second-class citizen without rights?” he queried.

Siddaramaiah questioned whether PM Modi understands that for decades, the RSS has instigated and perpetuated communal violence across India, a well-documented fact, and has influenced young minds through its networks.

“Does PM Modi not recognize that this supremacist ideology denies equality to millions, disrupts harmony, and directly contradicts the Constitution?” he asked.

Siddaramaiah remarked that Independence Day should be a moment to honor those who united India; instead, PM Modi lauded a force that thrives on division, had no role in independence, and whose predecessors even collaborated with the British.

“It’s no wonder that today’s authoritarianism under PM Modi and the BJP resembles British colonialism,” he added.

“Our freedom was achieved by individuals of all religions, castes, and languages, unified under the tricolour. No organisation surpasses that unity or is above the Constitution. And no Prime Minister—regardless of their power—can transform Independence Day into a tribute to those who divide India and aspire to rule it as its former colonizers did,” he concluded.

Siddaramaiah stated that PM Modi should feel “ashamed” for undermining the very essence of India from the Red Fort.