New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, at the inauguration of Congress’s new headquarters, Indira Bhavan, criticized RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks and accused the BJP-RSS of dominating Indian institutions. Gandhi also claimed Congress is battling not only BJP and RSS but the Indian State as well.
The remarks ignited sharp criticism from BJP leaders. BJP President JP Nadda accused Gandhi of declaring war on India and claimed Congress seeks to weaken the nation.
कांग्रेस पार्टी ने लोगों के साथ मिल कर, संविधान की बुनियाद पर, भारत की सफलता का निर्माण किया है। लोगों के अधिकारों के कवच, संविधान की रचना से लेकर रक्षा तक का दायित्व कांग्रेस ने निभाया है।
हमारा नया मुख्यालय हमारी इसी समृद्ध ऐतिहासिक विरासत और विज़न का प्रतीक है।
हमारी… pic.twitter.com/q2slBOTxd6
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 15, 2025
Rahul’s Criticism of Bhagwat’s Statement
Gandhi lambasted Mohan Bhagwat’s comment that India attained “true freedom” only recently, calling it an insult to freedom fighters and the Constitution.
“Bhagwat’s statement undermines the independence struggle and questions the relevance of our Constitution,” said Gandhi. He asserted that such remarks could lead to legal action in other nations, terming Bhagwat’s comments as “seditious.”
In response to Bhagwat’s suggestion of marking Ram Mandir’s consecration as “true freedom,” Gandhi remarked:
“According to Bhagwat, the struggle against the British was insignificant. If such statements were made elsewhere, they’d result in arrests and lawsuits.”
Questioning RSS Ideology
Gandhi contrasted Congress’s values with the RSS’s ideology, emphasizing the long-standing clash of principles.
“Our ideology is ancient, rooted in equality and fraternity, championed by figures like Guru Nanak, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi,” said Gandhi. “These icons stood for universal brotherhood, unlike the RSS ideology.”
He challenged the alignment of historical figures with RSS, questioning:
“Does RSS represent Krishna, Buddha, or Nanak? None of these figures aligns with their ideology.”
Congress and Constitutional Values
Highlighting the philosophical battle between Congress and RSS, Gandhi stated:
“This is a fight between two visions. Ours is grounded in the Constitution; theirs opposes it. There is no neutrality in this battle.”
Electoral Integrity and Transparency
Expressing concerns over democratic institutions, Gandhi criticized investigative agencies for targeting opposition leaders. He also questioned the Election Commission’s impartiality, urging it to demonstrate transparency in recent elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.
“How can we trust the electoral system when Election Commission’s actions raise doubts?” Gandhi asked.
BJP Responds: “Congress Seeks to Tarnish India”
Reacting to Gandhi’s statements, JP Nadda accused Congress of harboring “urban Naxal” ideologies and conspiring against the nation.
“The Congress party’s history has always supported forces aiming to weaken India,” Nadda remarked. He praised Gandhi’s remarks for “exposing Congress’s anti-national agenda.”
Mohan Bhagwat’s audacious comment that India didn’t gain true independence in 1947 is an insult to our freedom fighters, every single Indian citizen and an attack on our Constitution. pic.twitter.com/6sMhdxn3xA
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 15, 2025
New Congress Headquarters: Indira Bhavan
The Congress inaugurated its new headquarters, Indira Bhavan, at 9A Kotla Road, New Delhi. This marks a major transition for the party after nearly 46 years at its former address on 24 Akbar Road.
The building, constructed for ₹252 crores, is located 500 meters from BJP’s ₹700-crore headquarters. The foundation stone for the Congress building was laid in 2009 by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi.
Speaking at the event, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge emphasized the party’s renewed commitment to serve the nation.
BJP’s Expanding Presence
The BJP, meanwhile, is constructing 768 offices nationwide, with 563 completed and 96 in progress. The initiative highlights BJP’s aim to strengthen its grassroots network.
As Congress establishes its new base, the political landscape sharpens, reflecting the ongoing ideological and institutional battles shaping India’s democracy.
