Congress Labels PM Modi’s Ode To RSS Chief Bhagwat ‘Over-The-Top’

In an article published across multiple newspapers recently, PM Modi has hailed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s leadership since 2009 as “the most transformative period in the RSS’s 100-year history.” He lauded Bhagwat’s “intellectual depth and empathetic leadership,” calling him a “living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”

On Thursday, 11 September, the Congress party launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent tribute to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on his 75th birthday, accusing him of turning what should have been a simple birthday homage into a political spectacle. The Congress described Modi’s lavish praise of Bhagwat as an “over-the-top” attempt to curry favour with the Sangh leadership.

In an article published across multiple newspapers, Modi hailed Bhagwat’s leadership since 2009 as “the most transformative period in the RSS’s 100-year history.” He lauded Bhagwat’s “intellectual depth and empathetic leadership,” calling him a “living embodiment of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” a phrase that means ‘the world is one family.’ Modi highlighted Bhagwat’s lifelong dedication to societal transformation and fostering harmony, painting a glowing picture of the RSS chief’s influence.

However, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh was quick to question Modi’s selective historical references in the article. Commenting on the social media platform X, Ramesh pointed out, “The PM recalled Swami Vivekananda’s immortal Chicago speech of 1893 and the 11 September 2001, Al Qaeda attacks, but he ignored that Mahatma Gandhi first called for satyagraha on 11 September 1906, in Johannesburg.” Taking a sharp dig at Modi, Ramesh added, “It is too much to expect him to remember the origin of satyagraha since the very word satya is alien to him.”

Ramesh also criticised Modi’s self-portrayal in the article, saying, “The PM, who himself claimed to be non-biological, makes his pravachans appear as if they are God-se.”

Joining the chorus of criticism, Congress whip in the Lok Sabha, Manickam Tagore, condemned Modi’s piece by contrasting it with how previous BJP leaders were treated upon reaching the age of 75. Tagore tweeted, “Advani ji: ‘Rule is rule, step aside.’ Murali Manohar Joshi ji: ‘Rule is rule, retire gracefully.’ Mohan Bhagwat ji: Modi writes poetry on ‘Wisdom & Trust’.” This comparison highlighted what Tagore saw as Modi’s double standards.

Tagore accused Modi of hypocrisy, stating, “The famous 75-year retirement rule is not a principle but a tool — applied to BJP founders, bent for the Nagpur boss, ignored for Modi himself.” He added, “This is not respect, this is sycophancy. Principles are disposable in Modi’s politics — convenience first, conscience never.” Tagore’s remarks suggested that Modi’s public celebration of Bhagwat’s milestone birthday was less about genuine respect and more about political expediency.

The Congress’s criticism comes amid Modi’s highly publicised celebration of Bhagwat’s 75th birthday, which the opposition views as a strategic move ahead of future political calculations. By elevating Bhagwat’s stature so publicly, Modi appears to be signalling his close alignment with the RSS leadership, a move that Congress believes is aimed at consolidating political support within the Sangh’s vast network.

The Congress party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using Mohan Bhagwat’s 75th birthday as a political platform rather than a simple tribute. Jairam Ramesh’s pointed remarks about Modi’s selective historical memory and self-aggrandisement, along with Manickam Tagore’s critique of Modi’s inconsistent application of party principles, underscore the opposition’s view that Modi’s praise of Bhagwat is driven by political convenience rather than genuine respect.