'Glorifying RSS an insult to freedom struggle': Asaduddin Owaisi criticises PM Narendra Modi's Independence Day speech

NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for glorifying the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his Independence Day speech, calling it "an insult to the freedom struggle." Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Friday, hailed 100 years of the RSS as a "very proud and glorious" journey and lauded its volunteers for their service to the nation.

He said, "Today I want to mention one thing with great pride that 100 years ago an organisation was born -- the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Its 100 years of national service has been a very proud and glorious page." He added, "From the ramparts of the Red Fort today, I respectfully remember all the swayamsevaks who have contributed to these 100 years of national service." Modi described service, dedication, organisation, and unparalleled discipline as the identity of the RSS, "which is in a way the world's biggest non-government organisation (NGO)."

The RSS, started by Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in 1925 in Nagpur, now has thousands of volunteers and more than 83,000 shakhas across the country. It plans nationwide events, including over 1 lakh 'Hindu Sammelans', to mark its centenary, culminating in chief Mohan Bhagwat’s address at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on 2 October. Owaisi responded to Modi’s remarks, saying, "Glorifying the RSS in an Independence Day speech is an insult to the freedom struggle.

The RSS and its ideological allies served as British foot soldiers. They never joined the fight for independence and hated Gandhi more than they ever opposed the British."

He added, "Happy #IndependenceDay to all. PM Modi has once again reminded us why it is necessary to learn real history and honour the real heroes. If we don't, the day isn’t far when cowardice will be sold to us as the highest form of bravery. RSS rejects the values of inclusive nationalism that motivated our freedom fighters." Owaisi also said, "Modi could have gone to Nagpur to praise RSS as a Swayamsevak, why did he have to do it from the Red Fort as the Prime Minister?"