Congress MP Digvijaya Singh sparked widespread outrage this week after hailing the organisational powers of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The remarks prompted furious rejoinders from several party colleagues — with many insisting vehemently that there was “nothing to learn” from the RSS. Others such as Shashi Tharoor opined that the Congress ‘should be strengthened’ and urged the party to “learn from itself”.
“I am one of the bitterest critics of the RSS’ ideology and the functioning of Narendra Modi and his policies. I have never let go of an opportunity to do that. But then as far as their organisation is concerned, there is no doubt that their organisation stands much better than us (Congress)” Singh told Indian Express on Sunday.
The senior politician reiterated that his tweet highlighting an old photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Lal Krishna Advani was meant “as a compliment to the organisational strength of the RSS”. Singh also insisted that his social media post minutes before a Congress Working Committee meeting was not intended as a message to the party. He stressed the need for decentralisation within the Congress ranks — lauding Rahul Gandhi for “making an effort” in this direction.
Tharoor bats for ‘discipline’
Tharoor came out in support of the views expressed by Singh on Sunday — saying the organisation should be strengthened. The two leaders were seated next to each other at the 140th Foundation Day event at the Congress’ Indira Bhawan headquarters and spotted repeatedly exchanging notes.
“We have a history of 140 years and we can learn a lot from it. We can learn from ourselves too…Even I want our organisation to strengthen…The organisation should be strengthened, there is no doubt…There should be discipline in our organisation. Digvijaya Singh can speak for himself,” Tharoor told reporters.
What have other Congress leaders said?
The remarks have been met with vehement criticism from fellow Congress leaders — with some linking the RSS to Hindutva ideologue Nathuram Godse who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.
“There’s nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?” jibed Congress leader Pawan Khera.
“The RSS is an organisation built on hatred, and it spreads hatred. There is nothing to learn from hatred. Can you learn anything from Al-Qaeda? Al-Qaeda, is an organisation of hatred. It hates others. What is there to learn from that organisation? If you want to learn, learn from good people. There is the Congress party, which is 140 years old. The Congress brought people together. Mahatma Gandhi transformed the Congress party into a people’s movement. Should this organisation learn from those organisations of hatred?…” added Congress MP Manickam Tagore.