"BJP-RSS leaders did not have any role in freedom struggle": KC Venugopal amid row over "Indian state" remark

New Delhi [India], January 15 (ANI): A political slugfest has broken out between the leaders of the BJP and the Congress over the "Indian state" remarks of the leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the run-up to the Delhi assembly elections.
Notably, while inaugurating the party's new headquarters 'Indira Bhawan,' hitting out at the BJP, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the Congress and other opposition parties were not just fighting the BJP but "the Indian state itself." BJP hit back, accusing the Gandhi family of "dividing the country."
Coming out in defence of Rahul Gandhi, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal criticized BJP-RSS leaders for their lack of involvement in the freedom struggle, stating that Rahul Gandhi has attacked this sentiment and criticized their anti-national actions. The Congress party plans to take this issue to the people of the country.
He also criticised RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's reported remarks about not considering August 15, 1947, as the day of independence. Venugopal emphasized that thousands of Indians sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom, and Bhagwat's statement undermines their contributions.
"Mohan Bhagwat's statement is quite anti-national. You know thousands of Indians sacrificed their lives for the Indian freedom struggle. Mohan Bhagwat yesterday said that India did not gain independence in 1947. He has insulted the martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle including Mahatma Gandhi. It was an anti-national statement," the Congress MP said.
The Congress MP alluded that Rahul Gandhi's remarks were directed against RSS Chief.
"Rahul Gandhi attacked this sentiment. BJP-RSS leaders did not have any role in the freedom struggle. Rahul Gandhi criticised their anti-national action. We will take this issue to the people of the country," Venugopal said.
Rahul's statement is now getting sharp criticism from BJP leaders.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in a post on X, "The LoP, who was sworn in by taking oath on the Constitution, is now saying, "We are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian State itself."
"So, @INCIndia and @RahulGandhi, what are you carrying a copy of the constitution for in your hand?," she questioned in the post.
Responding to the statement Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri asked Rahul to undergo a medical checkup.
"Tell him to go get his mental stability checked," said Puri.
Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva said, "Rahul Gandhi's Congress is not working. Rahul Gandhi ruins Congress wherever he goes. He has already ruined Congress in Delhi. If corruption-free governance is needed in Delhi, then a double-engine government will be formed. BJP is coming to Delhi under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi."
Rahul Gandhi's remarks have now ignited an all-out fight with the BJP who has criticised the remarks. With campaigning for the Delhi election entering a decisive phase the fight is expected to get bitter.
Delhi goes to polling on February 5 and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. (ANI)