Kharge condemns RSS chief Bhagwat's 'true independence' remark

Congress president Kharge condemns RSS chief Bhagwat's remarks on India's independence, warns of consequences, inaugurates new Congress headquarters.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday (January 15, 2024) condemned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks that India's 'true independence' was established on Ram temple consecration day, and warned that it would become difficult for him to move around in the country if he continues to make such statements.

Addressing party leaders after the inauguration of the Congress' new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road here, Mr. Kharge said RSS people believe that independence was achieved with Ram Temple inauguration and don't remember the independence of 1947 as they did not fight for it.

"You would know that those people who had nothing to do with independence and did not fight for it are making such statements. I read the statement by the RSS chief. He said real independence was established with the inauguration of the Ram Temple. He had inaugurated the temple along with (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi...Modi believes that independence was achieved in 2014 when he became PM," he said.

"RSS people believe that independence was established with Ram Temple inauguration. It is a matter of shame that even though we got independence in 1947 they are not acknowledging it because they did not struggle for it, go to jail, and therefore they do not remember. We remember because our people died for independence and struggled for it," he said.

Mr. Kharge condemned Bhagwat's statement and said that "it would become difficult for him to move around in the country if he keeps giving such statements".

The Congress chief's remarks come after Mr. Bhagwat said the date of Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi", as the "true independence" of Bharat, which faced "parachakra" (enemy attack) for several centuries, was established on this day.

Mr. Kharge said the Congress headquarters would become the centre of fighting forces that are working against the Constitution and democracy.