Do not teach us patriotism: Bhupesh Baghel slams BJP-RSS

In a scathing attack on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and BJP, senior Congress leader and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent statement that India attained "real freedom" on the day the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was consecrated.

Baghel declared that RSS-BJP leaders have no authority to lecture Congress leaders on patriotism. Addressing media in Delhi, Baghel also came to the defence of Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, whose statement describing his fight against the BJP-RSS and their alleged misuse of state institutions has sparked controversy.

"BJP-RSS people are distorting Rahul Gandhi's speech," Baghel said, accusing the BJP-led Union government of compromising the autonomy of crucial institutions such as the Election Commission, Enforcement Directorate (ED), income tax department, and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

“Our fight is not just against the RSS-BJP but also against the institutions that have been captured by them,” Baghel said, highlighting the systemic challenges the Congress believes are eroding democracy.

Baghel alleged that despite the BJP being in power at the Centre and in multiple states, it is the RSS that dictates its policies. He argued that this governance model contradicts the Constitutional principles of justice, equality, and democracy. "The Constitution talks about protecting justice, equality, and democracy, but the RSS does not believe in these ideas," he said.

The Congress leader accused the BJP government of weakening India’s social fabric and economic foundation by consolidating control over democratic institutions. He stressed that the Congress party, under Rahul Gandhi's leadership, is committed to an inclusive, democratic, and just vision for India.

"Our leader Rahul Gandhi and our workers will continue to fight against those who create obstacles in the path of these principles," Baghel asserted, emphasising the Congress party's determination, and accused the BJP of obstructing parliamentary proceedings despite being in power, further reflecting its disdain for democratic norms.

As political temperatures rise, Baghel’s sharp critique signals an intensifying battle between the Congress and BJP-RSS, with democracy and institutional integrity taking centre stage.

Addressing a gathering in Indore, Bhagwat had said, "Though we gained political freedom on 15 August 1947, and adopted a Constitution, the country did not fully adhere to its spirit. Can we truly say our dreams have been realised and our pain alleviated?"

The RSS chief emphasised that India's essence, or swa (self), lies in Ram, Krishna, and Shiva, who transcend religious boundaries. "Ram unites the north with the south, Krishna connects the east with the west, and Shiva resides in every particle of Bharat," he said, adding that the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya "should be celebrated as 'Pratishtha Dwadashi' as it marks the true independence of Bharat."