NEW DELHI; Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who accused him of politicizing a national platform and advancing a divisive narrative.
During his address, Modi praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), describing it as “the biggest NGO in the world” and commending its service to the nation. The remarks, made on a day marking India’s freedom struggle, were met with strong disapproval from opposition leaders.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge spearheaded the criticism, arguing that glorifying the RSS was an affront to India’s freedom fighters. He recalled the organization’s refusal to hoist the national flag for decades and noted longstanding allegations from critics that it collaborated with British colonial authorities. Several opposition leaders went further, branding RSS members as “agents” and “touts” of colonial rule.
The Prime Minister’s warnings about border infiltration also sparked controversy. Modi spoke of a “deliberate conspiracy” to alter India’s demographic balance through illegal immigration and unveiled plans for a new “High-Powered Demography Mission” to address the challenge.
Responding to these remarks, Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said Modi’s statements amounted to an admission of his government’s failure. He pointed out that border management lies with the Border Security Force (BSF) and central ministries under Home Minister Amit Shah, meaning lapses in this domain directly reflect the central government’s shortcomings.
Opposition leaders broadly accused Modi of pushing an agenda rooted in RSS ideology, warning that such rhetoric is eroding democratic institutions, politicizing national occasions, and fostering religious extremism.
The reaction highlights widening political divisions, with critics cautioning that the Prime Minister’s message from the Red Fort—long regarded as a unifying national symbol—is instead entrenching ideological rifts and fueling social discord.
