New Delhi: Congress leader Digvijaya Singh’s recent remark praising the organisational strength of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has triggered fresh controversy, exposing internal differences within the Congress while inviting sharp attacks from the BJP. The row intensified after Congress MP Manickam Tagore equated the RSS with terror group Al-Qaeda, drawing strong reactions from the saffron party and further deepening the political debate.
The controversy began after Digvijaya Singh shared an undated, old photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP veteran Lal Krishna Advani, using it to underline what he described as the “power of organisation” within the BJP-RSS ecosystem.
Digvijaya Singh praises BJP-RSS organisation
In his social media post, Digvijaya Singh said the image reflected how an RSS grassroots volunteer and a Jan Sangh-BJP worker could rise to become a state’s Chief Minister and eventually the Prime Minister of the country. “It shows how an ordinary worker who once sat on the floor at the feet of leaders went on to become a state’s chief minister and the country’s prime minister. This is the power of organisation,” he wrote.
The remark, widely interpreted as an indirect suggestion that the Congress could learn from the BJP-RSS organisational structure, drew mixed reactions within his own party. While some leaders viewed it as a candid assessment aimed at internal reform, others felt it amounted to praising an ideological rival.
Manickam Tagore’s sharp response
Reacting strongly to Digvijaya Singh’s remarks, Congress MP from Tamil Nadu Manickam Tagore launched a scathing attack on the RSS, equating it with Al-Qaeda. Speaking to news agency ANI, Tagore said the RSS was “an organisation built on hatred” and questioned the idea of learning anything from it.
“The RSS is an organisation built on hatred, and it spreads hatred. There is nothing to learn from hatred. Can you learn anything from Al-Qaeda? Al-Qaeda is an organisation of hatred. It hates others. What is there to learn from that organisation?” Tagore said.
Earlier in the day, Tagore had also shared a video referring to a “famous self-goal”, in an apparent jibe at Digvijaya Singh, whose comments were seen by many as embarrassing the party leadership.
Divided voices within Congress
Digvijaya Singh’s comments have led to visible divisions within the Congress. Senior leader Shashi Tharoor publicly backed Singh, arguing that acknowledging organisational strengths of rivals did not amount to endorsing their ideology. Tharoor said there should be discipline and learning within the party to strengthen its own structure.
On the other hand, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera took a contrasting stand, asserting that “there is nothing to learn from the RSS”. He reiterated that the Congress’ ideology and functioning were fundamentally different and rooted in constitutional values.
Adding to the debate, Congress leader Salman Khurshid came out in support of Manickam Tagore’s criticism of the RSS. Khurshid questioned the organisation’s claim of being merely a social body. “If they are a social organisation, then why do they try to influence the system in such a way that other people cannot even function in a democracy?” he asked.
Khurshid said the Congress was determined to expose what he described as the RSS’ “deception” and present an alternative vision to the people. “Our answer, our thinking and our message are far better than theirs,” he added.
BJP hits back hard
The BJP seized upon the Congress’ internal discord to launch a counter-offensive. Party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly objected to Manickam Tagore’s comparison of the RSS with Al-Qaeda, calling it outrageous and insulting.
“Congress has now gone berserk in its thirst for vote-bank politics,” Poonawalla said. He accused the party of repeatedly insulting Hindu beliefs, Sanatana Dharma and nationalist organisations. “An organisation that has worked for over 100 years for national service is being compared to terrorists, yet the Congress has nothing to say about atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh,” he alleged.
According to the BJP, the remarks reflected what it described as the Congress’ politics of appeasement and desperation. BJP leaders also mocked Digvijaya Singh’s praise of the RSS-BJP structure, terming it an admission of the Congress’ organisational weakness.
Political implications
The episode has once again highlighted ideological fault lines within the Congress at a time when the party is attempting to consolidate itself nationally. While some leaders argue for introspection and organisational reform, others fear that any perceived praise of the RSS could confuse the party’s core support base.
For the BJP, the controversy has provided fresh ammunition to portray the Congress as divided, directionless and disrespectful towards nationalist institutions. The party has amplified Tagore’s remarks to mobilise its cadre and counter Opposition attacks.
Conclusion
What began as a social media post by Digvijaya Singh has snowballed into a wider political confrontation, underscoring internal differences within the Congress and sharpening its rivalry with the BJP. As leaders across parties continue to trade barbs, the episode reflects the broader ideological battle shaping Indian politics, with organisation, identity and narrative firmly at its centre.