Sat Dec 27 23:50:00 UTC 2025: Congress Divided Over Leader’s Praise of RSS Organization
New Delhi: A debate has erupted within the Indian National Congress following senior leader Digvijaya Singh’s recent appreciation of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) organizational strength. While some leaders have strongly criticized his statement, outright rejecting any learning from the RSS, others suggest it’s possible to learn from the RSS’s operational style without endorsing their ideology.
The controversy began after Singh shared a post on social media praising the RSS’s ability to elevate grassroots workers to prominent positions. He later clarified his rejection of the RSS ideology.
This sparked sharp reactions from within the Congress. Leaders like Pawan Khera have asserted that the Congress has nothing to learn from an organization associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse. Spokesperson Supriya Shrinate accused the BJP of twisting Singh’s words and emphasized the Congress’s historical role in the freedom struggle, arguing that the party should be a source of learning for others.
However, other leaders like TS Singh Deo have defended Singh’s comments, distinguishing between ideology and operational efficiency. He argued that one can learn from any organization to improve, using an analogy of learning from opposing cricket teams. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also weighed in, emphasizing the need to strengthen the party organization and acknowledging the organizational prowess of the RSS and BJP.
The internal discord has raised questions about the Congress’s ideological unity and strategic approach as the party seeks to revitalize itself.
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