Asaduddin Owaisi and PM Narendra Modi (File photos)
NEW DELHI: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) role in India’s freedom struggle, questioning the organisation’s contribution to the independence movement.“I was surprised by the claims that the RSS participated in India’s freedom struggle. PM Modi has a habit of delivering long speeches. From my reading, no RSS member sacrificed their life or went to jail after its formation…Aap ungli kaat ke shahido mein shaamil nahi ho sakte” (You cannot become a part of the martyrs by merely cutting your finger), Owaisi said.He rejected the prime minister’s assertion that the RSS played a significant role during the Quit India Movement and other freedom campaigns. Owaisi highlighted that KB Hedgewar, the RSS founder, was a Congress member before forming the Sangh and that his participation in events such as the Dandi March in 1930 was aimed at encouraging others to join the RSS rather than genuine involvement in the freedom struggle. Owaisi further said that during the Quit India Movement in 1942, while PM Modi highlighted RSS participation, many volunteers were involved and mere symbolic acts could not be counted as sacrifice. The remarks came in response to PM Modi’s blog and centenary celebrations of the RSS on Vijayadashami. In his blog titled “100 years of national service”, the prime minister praised the organisation for 100 years of social service, nation-building and volunteer work, including education, tribal welfare, women’s empowerment and disaster relief. He described the Sangh as a “virtuous incarnation” of India’s eternal national consciousness and highlighted the role of shakhas as “Yagna Vedis” that have guided generations of volunteers from ego to selflessness.PM Modi also commended the RSS for standing firm during India’s freedom struggle and later challenges, emphasising its efforts in fighting discrimination, untouchability and promoting social harmony. He welcomed its roadmap to address modern challenges such as demographic changes, family values and environmental protection, calling the centenary a proud milestone for India.Yesterday, PM Modi released a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin at an event in Delhi to mark the RSS centenary, celebrating the organisation’s contributions to nation-building and social service.
