“Tired today, retired tomorrow”: Opposition criticises PM Modi’s Independence Day praise of RSS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it the "world's biggest NGO" and highlighting its 100-year history of national service. Modi said, "For the past 100 years, RSS workers have dedicated their lives to fulfilling the resolve of 'vyakti nirman' (character development) and 'rashtra nirman' (nation-building) for the welfare of 'matribhoomi' (motherland)." The RSS will mark its centenary this October on Vijaya Dashami.

Modi’s address lasted over 100 minutes and marked the first time he formally referenced the RSS in an Independence Day speech. He described the organisation’s journey as “a very proud and glorious page in India's history” and praised its volunteers for their long-standing service to the nation. Modi’s remarks included a focus on the role of RSS in promoting cultural and national values.

The Congress criticised Modi’s praise of the RSS, stating the organisation had no direct role in India’s freedom struggle. Congress MP Manickam Tagore said, "KB Hedgewar, its founder, had joined Congress protests before 1925. But after forming RSS, the focus shifted to cultural nationalism and not confronting the British." Tagore added that the RSS avoided mass movements like the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.

Opposition leaders also linked Modi’s remarks to his upcoming 75th birthday on September 17. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh said, "The PM was tired today. Soon, he will be retired," and described the speech as "stale, hypocritical, insipid." He added that the remarks were “a desperate attempt to appease the organisation in the run-up to his 75th birthday,” referring to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s suggestion that political leaders step aside at the age of 75.

Other opposition figures echoed criticism. Salman Khurshid said, "They didn't hoist the flag for 52 years. They didn't contribute to the freedom movement. They opposed Mahatma Gandhi's Quit India Movement." AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said Modi’s remarks dishonoured the freedom struggle, asking, "Why did he have to do it from the Red Fort as the Prime Minister?" CPI(M) General Secretary MA Baby called the praise “deeply regrettable” and highlighted the RSS’s historical record of undermining national unity along religious lines.

The BJP clarified that no rule exists limiting political service by age. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted that some union cabinet members are over the suggested limit, including 80-year-old Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Modi’s praise of the RSS has sparked national debate over the organisation’s historical legacy, its influence on governance, and the Prime Minister’s political future.