Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has condemned RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent statement claiming that India achieved "true independence" only after the consecration of the Ram temple, calling it an act of treason and an insult to the Indian people.

Addressing the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday, Gandhi criticized Bhagwat for undermining India's independence movement and the Constitution. "What he said yesterday is treasonous," Gandhi remarked, referring to Bhagwat’s assertion that India’s independence in 1947 was invalid. According to Gandhi, such statements diminish the significance of the Constitution and the sacrifice made during the freedom struggle. He further emphasized that in any other country, such remarks would lead to legal action.

Gandhi also denounced the RSS leader's comments as an affront to every Indian, stating, "To claim that India did not gain independence in 1947 is an insult to every citizen of this country." He urged citizens to reject such views and not to allow these statements to be perpetuated without challenge.

The leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha also addressed broader concerns about the state of India's political landscape, alleging that institutions have been compromised by the BJP and RSS. He expressed dismay over the misuse of investigative agencies against opposition figures and voiced concerns about the Election Commission’s lack of transparency. Gandhi pointed to an unexplained increase in voter numbers between the 2019 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections, questioning the credibility of the electoral process.

The former Congress president stressed that his party stands firm on the values enshrined in the Constitution, which he said forms the foundation of India's progress. He called for spreading these ideals across the nation, asserting that Congress is the only political force capable of taking on the current ideological battle facing the country.

In his speech, Gandhi reinforced Congress's commitment to defending democratic principles and ensuring that the nation remains true to the ideals of freedom and justice.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI