Rahul Gandhi Attacks RSS, Calls It Instrument Of Large Capital

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that the organisation had been “captured” by large capital and had moved away from its original social base of small Indian businesses.

Speaking at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, Gandhi said people should not be afraid of expressing their views and urged Congress workers and citizens to confront what he described as a “cowardly force”. He questioned why people should be afraid while confronting what he called a group of “jokers” and “clowns” who, according to him, had little understanding of India’s philosophy and history.

Gandhi said India could only be understood by engaging with its present-day expression. He added that the Congress would defend the RSS’s right to express itself if there was ever an attempt to eliminate the organisation’s expression from the country. Gandhi stressed that everyone should have the freedom to speak openly without fear.

The Congress leader alleged that the RSS had undergone a fundamental transformation, claiming that its original social base comprised small businessmen such as goldsmiths, jewellers, blacksmiths and shopkeepers. He said that the RSS had been “utilised” and “captured” by large capital, and that its original force was now dead.

Gandhi linked this transformation to economic and political developments, alleging that demonetisation and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) had adversely affected the small-business community that he associated with the RSS’s original base. He claimed that former BJP leader Pramod Mahajan initiated the process of bringing greater capital influence into the RSS, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed what he described as the transformation of the organisation.

Gandhi's comments are significant, as they reflect the Congress party's stance on the RSS and its perceived influence on Indian politics. The RSS is a prominent Hindu nationalist organisation that has been associated with the BJP, and Gandhi's allegations are likely to spark a debate about the organisation's role in Indian society.

The Congress party has long been critical of the RSS, and Gandhi's comments are the latest in a series of attacks on the organisation. The RSS has denied allegations of being captured by large capital, and has maintained that it remains committed to its original ideals.

In the context of Indian politics, Gandhi's comments are likely to be seen as an attempt to mobilise opposition to the BJP and the RSS. The Congress party has been seeking to regain its footing in Indian politics, and Gandhi's comments may be seen as an effort to appeal to voters who are critical of the RSS and its influence.

Overall, Gandhi's attack on the RSS reflects the ongoing debate about the organisation's role in Indian society and its relationship with the BJP. As the Indian political landscape continues to evolve, it is likely that the RSS and its influence will remain a topic of discussion and debate.

The implications of Gandhi's comments are significant, as they highlight the ongoing tensions between the Congress party and the RSS. The RSS has been a prominent force in Indian politics, and Gandhi's allegations are likely to spark a response from the organisation and its supporters.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi's attack on the RSS reflects the ongoing debate about the organisation's role in Indian society and its relationship with the BJP. The Congress party's stance on the RSS is likely to remain a topic of discussion and debate, as the Indian political landscape continues to evolve.