Political Firestorm Erupts as Congress Leader Labels RSS "Indian Taliban," Citing PM's Alleged Support

A fresh wave of political acrimony has swept across India following an explosive statement by senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament, B.K. Hariprasad. In a remark that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, Hariprasad controversially equated the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to the "Indian Taliban," further alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself has been seen appreciating the organization from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort.

The incendiary comments, delivered during a press interaction, have immediately drawn the ire of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological affiliates.

BJP spokespersons and leaders have vehemently condemned Hariprasad's analogy, labeling it as utterly baseless, irresponsible, and deeply offensive to a nationalist organization like the RSS, which they assert is dedicated to cultural and national service.

Hariprasad’s provocative comparison appears to stem from a broader narrative often pushed by certain opposition factions, which accuse the RSS of promoting a divisive ideology and impacting the secular fabric of India.

His reference to the Prime Minister's alleged appreciation from the Red Fort further amplifies the political attack, aiming to link the head of government directly to the perceived negative aspects of the RSS.

Political analysts suggest that such charged rhetoric, while generating headlines, often serves to polarize public discourse and consolidate respective vote banks ahead of crucial elections.

The Congress party, currently in opposition at the center, frequently targets the RSS to counter the BJP's dominant Hindutva narrative. However, the use of terms like "Taliban" is considered extreme and highly inflammatory, risking further deepening political divides.

The BJP has demanded an unconditional apology from Hariprasad and urged the Congress high command to distance itself from such derogatory remarks.

They argue that comparing a patriotic organization to a globally condemned terrorist group like the Taliban is not only an insult to the RSS but also to the democratic values of India. This incident is expected to fuel a heated debate in the coming days, overshadowing other pressing national issues as political parties engage in a fresh round of accusations and counter-accusations.