Rahul Gandhi Criticizes RSS Ideology During U.S. Visit, Frames Fight as Cultural, Not Political
Washington: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has condemned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its alleged views on the superiority of certain religions, languages, and communities over others, asserting that the core of the struggle in India transcends mere politics. Speaking to a gathering of Indian Americans in Herndon, Virginia, on Monday, Gandhi emphasized that the conflict is fundamentally about cultural and religious freedom, rather than political party disputes.
Addressing the audience, Gandhi highlighted the importance of religious and cultural identity in India, questioning whether Sikhs and other communities would be allowed to maintain their traditions, such as wearing turbans or visiting Gurdwaras. He criticized the RSS for its purported ideology of hierarchy among languages and communities, suggesting that it undermines the pluralistic fabric of Indian society.
Gandhi, who is currently on a four-day visit to the United States, began his tour in Dallas before arriving in Washington DC, criticized the BJP for lacking a nuanced understanding of India’s diversity. He stressed that India is a “union of states” as enshrined in the Constitution, which reflects a collective recognition of various languages, traditions, and histories.
During his address, Gandhi urged the Indian diaspora to act as cultural ambassadors, bridging connections between India and their new homes. He advocated for a message of love and respect, contrasting it with what he described as the BJP’s divisive approach. Gandhi’s remarks aimed to bolster a vision of India that celebrates diversity rather than imposing uniformity.
