Mallikarjun Kharge | Image: PTI
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday condemned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat’s statement on ‘true freedom’ and said that if he continues to make similar statements, it will become difficult for him to move around in the country.
Kharge, while addressing party leaders after the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters, also said that people of RSS and BJP do not remember independence (achieved in 1947) because their ideological ancestors had no contribution in the freedom movement.
Bhagwat had said on Monday that the date of Ram Lalla’s death in Ayodhya should be celebrated as ‘Pratishtha Dwadashi’ because the country, which had been facing enemy attacks for many centuries, got true independence on this day.
Taking aim at Bhagwat, Kharge said that it is a matter of shame that after getting independence, he is not accepting it.
Referring to the RSS and the BJP, he said, “They never fought (for independence), never went to jail, so they don’t remember anything about independence… Our people fought, lost their lives, That’s why we remember freedom.
Kharge said, “I condemn Bhagwat’s statement and if he continues to make such statements, it will become very difficult for him to move around in India.”
Later he posted on Did. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said- When Ram temple was built, the country got independence. Whereas Narendra Modi feels that when he became the Prime Minister in 2014, the country got independence. It is a matter of shame.
He claimed, “BJP people do not remember the Independence Day because they did not contribute anything to the country’s independence.”
Kharge said, “Congress remembers independence because our people sacrificed their lives, suffered setbacks and left their homes for freedom. Therefore, I condemn Mohan Bhagwat ji’s statement.
Speaking at the inauguration of the party headquarters, Kharge also mentioned the history of the Congress and its prominent leaders.
“It is a matter of great joy that this office has been built in the same area where our heroes had envisioned,” the Congress president said.
He said that Congress headquarters is like a school of democracy for the country.
Kharge said, “I am proud that I became the President of the Congress Block Committee in the year 1969 during the time of Indira Gandhiji. Then in 2022 I was elected as Congress President. I am grateful to all of you for electing me as President. We all stick to the ideology of Congress and will remain so.
He also remembered former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who died last month.
Kharge said that the library of Congress headquarters will be named ‘Dr. Manmohan Singh Library’.
He also recalled Singh’s words that history would be kind to him.
The Congress President said that this is exactly what has happened.
Kharge credited Sonia Gandhi for choosing Singh as the Prime Minister and said that when people across the world appreciate the former Prime Minister, she also deserves praise.
He said, “Congress has seen many ups and downs in 140 years, but has never lost patience. Our leaders have taught us not to be arrogant if we win big and not to be disappointed if we lose. We have to establish contact with the public, support the people’s struggle with unity and discipline and find solutions.
