New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on the occasion of India’s 79th Independence Day, praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), describing it as the “largest NGO in the world.” He highlighted its century-long contributions to national service and organisation.
“A hundred years ago, a movement was born, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). For a century, this organisation has dedicated itself to the welfare of the nation. Through service, dedication, organisation, and unparalleled discipline, the RSS has played a unique role in nation-building.
“In a way, the RSS is the biggest NGO of the world. It has a history of 100 years of dedication,” the Prime Minister said from the ramparts of the Red Fort. While the Prime Minister’s address largely focused on national development, self-reliance, and youth empowerment, the mention of the RSS drew applaud from a section of the audience at the event.
However, the Opposition was not impressed. The remarks have prompted sharp criticism from the Congress party, which termed the Prime Minister’s comments as a “blatant breach” of constitutional propriety.
Congress General Secretary in-charge of Communications Jairam Ramesh called the speech “stale, hypocritical, insipid,” accusing the Prime Minister of repeating his earlier slogans such as Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat without tangible progress.
“The most troubling element of the PM’s speech today was his name-checking of the RSS from the ramparts of the Red Fort — a blatant breach of the spirit of a constitutional, secular republic,” Ramesh said in a statement. He further claimed that the reference was a “desperate attempt to appease the Sangh in the run-up to his 75th birthday.”
While the Prime Minister’s address largely focused on national development, self-reliance, and youth empowerment, the mention of the RSS has ignited a fresh round of political sparring between the ruling BJP and the Opposition.
