← POLITICS 12/29/2025

A recent post by senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh comparing the organizational structure of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ignited a significant internal rift within the party. The post, made on the Congress’s 140th Foundation Day, drew immediate criticism and sparked a debate over the appropriateness of the language used.

Singh’s comments were further complicated by a subsequent exchange with Rahul Gandhi, described as “mischief” banter, adding fuel to the controversy. The core of the dispute centers around Singh’s implied comparison, which some within the party view as unnecessarily provocative and damaging to the Congress’s image.

Several Congress leaders have publicly voiced differing opinions. Shashi Tharoor expressed support for Singh’s views, arguing that a strong organizational structure is vital. However, other party members, like Manickam Tagore, took a more forceful stance, equating the RSS to al-Qaeda and accusing the Sangh of fostering hatred. This statement drew sharp condemnation from the BJP.

The controversy highlights a growing ideological divide within the Congress, as it attempts to navigate its opposition to the BJP and define its own identity. The incident underscores the challenges the party faces in maintaining unity and presenting a cohesive front, particularly when dealing with sensitive historical and political figures like Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi.