In his speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15 August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, referring to the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), described it as a golden chapter of Rashtriya Seva.
He said that with the resolve of “nation building from individual creation”, RSS volunteers have dedicated their lives in the service of the motherland. This statement was not only historically different, but also became a start of a new debate politically.
‘World’s largest non-governmental organization’
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi said, “Today, I want to say with pride that an organization was born 100 years ago. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. 100 years of service to the nation is a proud, golden chapter. In a way, RSS is the largest non-governmental organization in the world.” This statement of the PM is being seen as a public approval of the contribution of the RSS, which is usually less seen in national events like Independence Day.
‘Tricolor not hoisted for 52 years’
The Congress reacted sharply to this statement of the Prime Minister. Congress MP from Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Imran Masood said, “The RSS did not hoist the tricolor for 52 years, opposed the Quit India Movement, and appealed to Indians to join the British Army.” He alleged that the RSS had no contribution to the freedom struggle, and hence the Prime Minister should avoid glorifying such an organization. Imran Masood raised the question that how can the organization which did not believe in the constitution and the tricolor, how can it be honored on a holy day like Independence Day?
Jairam Ramesh’s charge: ‘Prime Minister is tired’
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister’s intention on this issue. He said, “The Prime Minister is now fully dependent on RSS’s mercy and Mohan Bhagwat’s blessings. This is a frustrated attempt to please the RSS.” Ramesh further said that the Prime Minister has insulted the Constitution and the spirit of democracy by politicizing the stage of Independence Day. He also claimed that, “The Prime Minister is tired and will soon retire. In such a situation, this effort has been made to expand his tenure.” The Congress described the entire incident as a politics inspired by the Prime Minister’s personal and organizational selfishness.
Is this the politicization of Independence Day?
The Congress argues that Prime Minister Modi also used the day of national unity and pride for political gains. Public praise of the RSS, which is considered a politically controversial organization, is contrary to the non-political tradition of this ceremony. Many political analysts believe that this statement reflects the ideological loyalty of the Prime Minister, but its public expression from the forum like Independence Day is under question.