RSS chief’s 'true independence' Remark sparks row
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has claimed that India achieved "true independence" on the consecration day of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, inviting criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has claimed that India achieved "true independence" on the consecration day of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, inviting criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT). Speaking at an event in Indore, Bhagwat said the consecration day should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi", symbolising the establishment of India's sovereignty after centuries of "para chakra" (foreign invasion).
The mega consecration or 'pran pratistha' event of Ram Lalla's idol in Ayodhya was conducted on January 22, 2024, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The first anniversary of the event was observed on January 11 this year, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Bhagwat, who recently grabbed headlines for calling the rise in temple-mosque disputes "unfortunate", said the Ram temple movement was started not to oppose anyone but to awaken Bharat's "self".
"After India got political independence from the British on August 15, 1947, the true independence of India, which had faced many centuries of persecution, was established on that day (the day of Ram Temple's 'pran pratishtha'). India had independence, but it was not established," the RSS chief said.
Responding to his remarks, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said neither Bhagwat had written the Constitution, nor the RSS brought Ram Lalla. What he is saying is wrong. Ram Lalla has been here for thousands of years. We have fought for him, but there should not be any politics over this.
Last month, the RSS chief said that following the construction of the Ram Temple, some individuals were under the impression that they could become "leaders of Hindus" by raking up temple-mosque disputes. “Every day a new matter (dispute) is being raked up. How can this be allowed? This cannot continue. India needs to show that we can live together," he said.
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