Is Praising RSS an Insult to Our Freedom Struggle?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Owaisi condemns PM Modi's praise for RSS.
- Claims RSS played a negative role during independence.
- Highlights the need for accurate historical representation.
- Raises concerns about internal divisions in India.
- Emphasizes the importance of inclusive nationalism.
Hyderabad, Aug 15 (NationPress) AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising the RSS during his Independence Day address, calling it a disgrace to the freedom struggle.
The MP from Hyderabad expressed his strong disapproval on ‘X’ regarding the Prime Minister’s remarks that celebrated the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Owaisi stated, “The RSS and its ideological affiliates acted as British foot soldiers. They were never part of the independence movement and had more animosity towards Gandhi than they did against the British.”
“Happy Independence Day to everyone. PM Modi has once again highlighted the importance of understanding true history and honoring the real heroes of our nation. If we neglect this, the day is not far when cowardice will be portrayed as the highest form of bravery,” said Owaisi, who leads the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
He further accused the RSS of rejecting the principles of inclusive nationalism that inspired the freedom fighters.
“The ideology of Hindutva promotes exclusion and contradicts the values enshrined in our Constitution. Modi could have chosen to commend the RSS in Nagpur as a Swayamsevak; why did he feel the need to do it from the Red Fort as Prime Minister?” he questioned.
“China remains our most significant external threat. However, the more substantial peril lies within — the animosity and division propagated by the Sangh Parivar. We must confront these forces to truly protect our freedom,” Owaisi emphasized.
In his Independence Day speech, the Prime Minister referred to the 100-year journey of the RSS as a “very proud and glorious” milestone for the “world’s largest NGO.”
He expressed gratitude to all RSS volunteers for their “devoted service to the nation.”
“For the past century, RSS swayamsevaks have committed themselves to the vision of character development and nation-building for the betterment of our motherland,” he concluded.