“Treason”: Rahul Gandhi on Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks on Independence

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a fierce critique of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, accusing him of "treason" for claiming that India achieved "true independence" only after the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

Gandhi asserted that Bhagwat’s comments insulted the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters and undermined the sanctity of the Constitution.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Congress party’s new headquarters in Delhi, Gandhi said, “The RSS chief declared that India never attained independence in 1947 and claimed true freedom came only with the Ram Mandir. He further suggested that the Constitution is not a symbol of our liberty. Such statements are nothing short of treason.”

Gandhi emphasised that Bhagwat’s remarks disrespected the monumental struggle against British colonial rule. “To say that India did not achieve independence in 1947 is an insult to every Indian. If such a statement were made in any other country, Mohan Bhagwat would be arrested and tried,” he added.

Bhagwat made the remarks in Indore while presenting the National Devi Ahilya Award to Champat Rai, general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He asserted that the consecration of the Ram Temple marked India’s “true independence”, arguing that the nation had not realised its cultural essence despite political freedom in 1947.

“Our true self — represented by Ram, Krishna and Shiva — remained unestablished after Independence. The Ram Mandir embodies Bharat’s spirit, connecting the country from north to south and east to west,” Bhagwat said.

Rahul Gandhi lambasted Bhagwat for questioning the legacy of India’s freedom movement and the Constitution. “Bhagwat’s comments undermine the Constitution and disregard the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. This baseless rhetoric must stop,” Gandhi stated.

“We are not just fighting the BJP or RSS; we are challenging an entrenched system where the BJP and RSS control every institution. This is an unfair fight, but our ideology has stood strong for thousands of years,” the LoP declared.

Political observers believe the confrontation highlights deepening tensions between the Congress and BJP–RSS over narratives surrounding India’s history and identity.

Gandhi's fiery criticism signals his intent to continue contesting the BJP-RSS’ ‘reframing’ of the country’s freedom struggle and cultural ethos.