Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat over his statement linking India’s “true independence” to the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Gandhi described the remark as an insult to the country’s 1947 freedom and the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters.
Speaking at a public event, Gandhi expressed his outrage, saying, “Claiming that India gained real independence only now undermines the entire freedom struggle. It’s shocking and offensive to every Indian who values our hard-fought liberty.”
He accused Bhagwat of disrespecting the Constitution and the legacy of those who fought against colonial rule. “Such statements imply that the efforts of our leaders and the Constitution itself are invalid. It’s a betrayal of our nation’s history,” Gandhi added.
The criticism follows Bhagwat’s assertion that the Ram Temple in Ayodhya signifies Bharat’s “true independence,” suggesting that the political independence achieved in 1947 was incomplete without this cultural milestone.
Gandhi’s remarks underscore the ongoing ideological divide between the Congress party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The issue has sparked widespread debate over the interpretation of India’s independence and the role of cultural identity in nation-building.
This verbal sparring has intensified political tensions, as both sides continue to clash over the significance of historical milestones in shaping modern India
Source: Livemint