Congress Criticizes RSS After Rajya Sabha Chairman's Praise

A day after Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the RSS, the Congress accused the organization of undermining India's sovereignty and being opposed by India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Historical documents reveal Patel's horror at the RSS's violent and anti-national character.

A day after Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar praised the RSS, the Congress alleged the organization has a history of undermining India's sovereignty and integrity. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, would have been horrified by recent praise for the RSS.

Documents from Patel's tenure reveal his profound horror at the RSS's violent and anti-national character. In a 1948 communique, Patel's Home Ministry banned the RSS aiming to root out hate and violence. Patel explicitly linked the RSS to the conspiracy to kill Mahatma Gandhi in a letter to Shyama Prasad Mookerjee.

These remarks came after Dhankhar defended the RSS in the Rajya Sabha, describing it as having unimpeachable credentials and being committed to national service. Opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge supported Suman's critique, emphasizing that members should not be prevented from speaking on such topics.

(With inputs from agencies.)