Congress President Slams BJP and RSS on Independence Day

Amid the controversy over the rendition of Vande Mataram at an Independence Day event, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has hit out at the BJP and RSS, calling them “anti-India” and questioning their role in India’s freedom struggle.

Kharge addressed a convention of booth-level agents and workers in South Goa’s Verna, where he said it was the Congress that fought for the country's freedom. He questioned which BJP or RSS leader had fought for Independence, saying they were anti-religion and taught patriotism through acts like performing a ‘purification’ ritual.

Kharge also criticized the BJP for its handling of defections in Goa, calling the current government a “government of thieves” that has stolen MLAs. He appealed to Congress workers to work together ahead of 2027 Assembly elections, promising to tackle issues like drug addiction, job creation, and inflation if they come to power.

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The Congress President also warned that rich people from other states were taking advantage of Goa's resources, saying they should respect the state’s culture and not buy land for their own pleasure. He emphasized the need for unity within the party and appealed to workers to work at the booth-level.

Kharge's comments come after a political row erupted on Sunday over Union Home Minister Amit Shah accusing Congress leader Sonia Gandhi of attempting to stop the full rendition of Vande Mataram at the party headquarters on Independence Day. The Congress denied the charge, stressing that the full rendition was sung at the function.