Senior Congress leader TS Singh Deo on Sunday stepped forward to clarify and defend the controversial remarks made by party colleague Digvijaya Singh regarding the organisational prowess of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Deo asserted that the intention behind Singh's comments was to underscore the need for the Congress party to bolster its own internal structure, not to express admiration for the ideological rival.
Defence Amidst Controversy
Speaking to the news agency ANI, Deo emphasised that strengthening an organisation is a perpetual endeavour. He pointed out that every political entity, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), routinely analyses the workings of its opponents. Digvijaya Singh's objective, according to Deo, was not to emulate the RSS but to initiate a discussion on how the Congress can enhance its own grassroots network and review mechanisms. Deo, acknowledging Singh's seniority within the party, refrained from directly commenting on his statement but provided context to the ongoing debate.
The controversy erupted after Digvijaya Singh, in a social media post on December 27, shared a decades-old black-and-white photograph from Quora. The image depicted a young Narendra Modi seated on the floor near senior BJP leader L.K. Advani at a Gujarat event. Singh's accompanying caption praised the "power of the organisation," suggesting that the dedication within the RSS and its earlier avatar, the Jan Sangh, propelled a grassroots worker to become both a chief minister and the Prime Minister.
Clarification and Internal Criticism
Facing swift backlash from within his own party, Digvijaya Singh issued a clarification on Saturday. He reiterated his firm opposition to the RSS's ideology, labelling it as an entity that disrespects the Constitution and operates without registration. However, he stood by his admiration for its organisational capacity, calling it the "world's largest NGO."
Singh stated that his remarks were misunderstood and that his praise was solely for the 'sangathan' (organisation), not its ideology. He questioned whether it was wrong to acknowledge organisational strength while remaining a staunch opponent. This nuance did little to placate some Congress colleagues. Leaders like Pawan Khera and Manickam Tagore openly criticised the remarks, equating the RSS with hatred and violence and arguing that its ideology and organisation cannot be separated.
Focus on Congress's Growth Path
The episode has inadvertently spotlighted the internal discussions within the Congress about its own structural weaknesses. Singh's comment that "there is room for improvement" in the party's organisation is seen as a reflection of a broader sentiment. TS Singh Deo's defence aligns with this view, framing the controversy as a call to action for the Congress.
The core takeaway, as presented by Deo, is that the Congress must engage in a continuous process of self-review and strengthening. The debate, sparked by a social media post, has thus evolved into a pointed discussion on the future roadmap for India's principal opposition party, with its leaders urging a focus on internal growth and resilience.
