Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech, in which he lauded the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as the world’s “largest NGO,” has drawn sharp criticism from Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav. Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, Yadav took a swipe at the organization, accusing it of hypocrisy.
In his address from the Red Fort, PM Modi had praised the RSS on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, highlighting its “100 years of dedicated and glorious” journey of public service and nation-building. The Prime Minister’s remarks were widely seen as an endorsement of the organization, which is the ideological mentor of the ruling BJP.
“Swadeshi by Words, Foreigner by Heart”
Akhilesh Yadav’s reaction was swift and pointed. “They are swadeshi by words but foreigner by heart,” he said, using the Hindi phrase “Yeh muh se toh swadeshi hai lekin mann se videshi hai.”
The Samajwadi Party leader further contrasted the RSS’s path with the foundational principles of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He claimed that at the BJP’s first convention, it was decided that the party would follow a secular and socialist path, a direction he alleges the “Sangh Parivar people” have not followed.
Yadav’s criticism also extended to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In a separate jab, he alleged that Adityanath “took BJP’s membership just to sit on UP CM’s chair.”
The comments from Yadav add to the political storm that has erupted since PM Modi’s speech, which has been met with criticism from various opposition parties and leaders.