On January 14, 2025, during a public address, Bhagwat stated that India's "true independence" was realized with the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He suggested that prior to this event, the nation had not achieved complete freedom. These comments have sparked a political controversy, with the Congress party leading the charge against the RSS leader.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh labeled Bhagwat's statements as "anti-national," asserting that they insult the sacrifices made during India's freedom struggle. Ramesh demanded an immediate apology from Bhagwat, emphasizing that such remarks denigrate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Echoing this sentiment, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned Bhagwat's assertions, stating that they reflect a lack of respect for the nation's history and its constitutional framework. Kharge highlighted that the RSS did not participate in the independence movement, questioning the organization's authority to comment on the nation's freedom.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, described Bhagwat's remarks as "treasonous," arguing that they undermine the foundations of India's democracy. Gandhi accused the RSS and its affiliates of attempting to rewrite history to suit their ideological narratives, thereby disrespecting the memory of freedom fighters.
In response to these allegations, RSS spokespersons have defended Bhagwat's statements, clarifying that his comments were intended to highlight the cultural significance of the Ram Temple and were not meant to undermine the historical importance of India's independence in 1947. They urged political parties to avoid misinterpreting the remarks for partisan gains.
The controversy has intensified as the Congress prepares for its 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally in Belagavi, scheduled for January 21, 2025. The event commemorates the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi presiding over the Congress session in Belagavi in 1924. Over two lakh party workers are expected to attend, with key leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi addressing the gathering.
The rally aims to reaffirm the Congress party's commitment to upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution and to honor the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Party leaders have stated that the event will serve as a platform to address what they perceive as ongoing assaults on constitutional principles and to mobilize support for protecting democratic institutions.
In addition to demanding an apology from Bhagwat, the Congress has called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his remarks concerning Dr. Ambedkar made during a parliamentary session in December 2024. The party alleges that Shah's statements reflect a disregard for Ambedkar's contributions to the nation and are indicative of a broader pattern of undermining constitutional values.
As political tensions escalate, observers note that the discourse surrounding these events underscores the deep ideological divides between the Congress party and the RSS. The upcoming rally in Belagavi is anticipated to further amplify these debates, as both sides continue to assert their interpretations of India's history and the path forward for its democracy.
The Congress party's planned 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' campaign is set to extend beyond the Belagavi rally, with a series of events aimed at engaging citizens across the country. This initiative reflects the party's strategy to position itself as a defender of constitutional values in the face of what it describes as concerted efforts to erode democratic norms.