The Congress intensified its criticism of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent comments, where he claimed that India's "true independence" was achieved with the consecration of the Ram temple. The party condemned Bhagwat's statement, stating it shows his disregard for the Constitution and insults those who fought for India's freedom.
Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel responded, asserting that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's remarks had been misrepresented by the BJP. This follows Gandhi's recent statement, where he criticized Bhagwat, suggesting that his words amounted to treason and insulted every Indian.
Baghel held a press conference alongside Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera, accusing Bhagwat of undermining India's constitutional values and belittling the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. He also reiterated Gandhi's point that had anyone else made similar remarks in another country, they would have faced legal action.
Bhagwat, in his remarks earlier this week, described the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya as the day when India achieved "true independence," suggesting that political freedom gained in 1947 had not fully realized the country's true sovereignty. He further implied that India's Constitution was not aligned with the vision of independence envisioned at the time.