Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the Independence Day celebrations by criticizing the organization. Yadav stated that the RSS is “Swadeshi in words, but foreign at heart.” Speaking with journalists in Lucknow, Yadav referenced the BJP’s original adherence to secular and socialist ideologies, contrasting this with the RSS’s stance. He remarked, “They are Swadeshi in word, but foreign at heart.” This statement came after PM Modi commended the RSS for its century-long journey, referring to it as the world’s “largest NGO.” Modi had mentioned that the RSS has been committed to nation-building for the past 100 years and is celebrating its centenary this year. The RSS, founded by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in 1925, is commemorating its 100th anniversary with numerous outreach programs and festive events. On the occasion of India’s Independence Day, Akhilesh Yadav also highlighted the need for India to face global challenges. The former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh said, “As we celebrate Independence Day today, we must accept the challenges of the world. The more robust our farmers are, the stronger our country will be economically, and the more promising the future of our youth, our country will be able to compete in the global markets.”
