'Ban the RSS,' says Kharge, recalls Vallabhbhai Patel’s 1948 letter blaming group for hate atmosphere post-Gandhi killing

Congress chief hits back at PM Modi, recalls Sardar Patel’s letter blaming RSS for creating hate atmosphere in 1948

On a day marked by tributes to both Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Indira Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge triggered a fresh political flashpoint, declaring that, in his personal view, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) should be banned.

According to PTI, Kharge said most of India’s law and order problems 'arise because of the BJP-RSS.' His remarks came hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the occasion of Patel’s birth anniversary to accuse the Congress of perpetuating a 'colonial mindset' inherited from the British.

“It is my personal opinion, it should be done,” Kharge said, when asked if the RSS should be banned. “Most of the issues and law and order problems are arising because of the BJP-RSS.”

Cites Patel’s 1948 letter linking RSS to Gandhi’s assassination

Taking aim at Modi’s invocation of Sardar Patel, Kharge countered by recalling Patel’s own words after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.

He cited Patel’s 1948 letter to Syama Prasad Mookerjee, in which the then Home Minister warned that the RSS had created “an atmosphere that led to the tragedy.”

“This is the history of Congress, the party that gave India unity and strength,” Kharge said. “Both Sardar Patel, the Iron Man, and Indira Gandhi, the Iron Lady, made huge contributions to maintaining national unity.”

Kharge accused the BJP of “constantly twisting history” to create a rift between Jawaharlal Nehru and Patel, insisting the two leaders shared deep respect for each other.

“Nehru hailed Patel for shaping India’s unity, and Patel called Nehru an ideal for the country,” he added.

PM Modi hits back, says Congress inherited ‘slave mentality’

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi had paid tribute to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, calling him the 'architect of India’s integration.'

He accused the Congress of adopting a 'slave mentality' from British rule and said the country was now removing “every trace of the colonial mindset.” Modi also claimed that Patel wanted to integrate Kashmir with India fully, but Nehru did not allow it.

The exchange underscored how Patel’s legacy continues to shape India’s political narratives, more than seven decades after his death.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also accused the Congress of ignoring Patel for over 50 years and downplaying his contributions. "They never followed Patel's footsteps and are using his name now to oppose the RSS," he said,as reported by NDTV.

"INC is not the Indian National Congress. It stands for Indian Nazi Congress. Despite all their conspiracies, the court lifted the ban on the RSS. They said RSS was a non-political organisation and government employees can take part in their activities. But the Congress is so intolerant that they stand with the rioters of PFI, SDPI, and MIM but spew venom against RSS, which is working for the country's welfare," he has been quoted.

Remembering Patel and Indira Gandhi

The day carried dual symbolism for the Congress. Along with Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, it was also the 40th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Kharge described the two as the 'Iron Man' and 'Iron Lady' of India, leaders who “dedicated their lives to preserving national unity and secularism.”

“Their contribution to India’s strength and cohesion cannot be forgotten,” he said.