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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 79th Independence Day address from the Red Fort has ignited a firestorm of criticism from opposition parties across the political spectrum. The core of their discontent lies in what they perceive as the Prime Minister's exploitation of a national occasion for partisan political gain, specifically his praise of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This invocation of the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization, has been interpreted as a blatant violation of the principles of a secular republic and a calculated move to solidify support within the Hindu nationalist base. The opposition's reaction highlights the deeply polarized political climate in India, where even symbolic events like Independence Day become battlegrounds for ideological clashes and accusations of political opportunism. The criticisms extend beyond the RSS issue, encompassing broader concerns about unfulfilled promises, hollow rhetoric, and the targeting of specific groups for political advantage, revealing a deep-seated distrust of the Modi government's policies and motivations. Jairam Ramesh, a prominent Congress MP, minced no words in describing the Prime Minister's speech as "stale, hypocritical, insipid, and troubling." His pointed remarks encapsulate the sentiments of many within the opposition, who feel that the speech lacked substance and instead served as a platform for self-aggrandizement and the promotion of a particular political agenda. Ramesh's allegation that Modi's mention of the RSS was a strategic maneuver to secure the organization's backing for a potential extension of his tenure after the age of 75 adds another layer of complexity to the controversy. It suggests a belief within the opposition that Modi is actively seeking to circumvent established norms and prolong his time in power through unconventional means. This suspicion underscores the deep-seated anxieties about the erosion of democratic institutions and the concentration of power within the executive branch. The criticism leveled against the repeated slogans of "Viksit Bharat," "Atmanirbhar Bharat," and "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" further highlights the opposition's skepticism towards the government's promises. These slogans, which translate to "Developed India," "Self-Reliant India," and "Together with All, Development for All," have been central to the Modi government's messaging, but the opposition argues that they lack concrete meaning and measurable outcomes. The failure to deliver on key policy initiatives, such as the semiconductor manufacturing push, the controversial farm laws (which were eventually repealed), and job creation, has fueled the perception that these slogans are merely empty rhetoric designed to mask the government's shortcomings. Ramesh's assertion that the rhetoric on protecting farmers has become "hollow and unbelievable" reflects the widespread disillusionment among the agricultural community, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including falling prices, rising input costs, and the impact of climate change. The Trinamool Congress, another major opposition party, echoed these concerns, with Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose accusing PM Modi of targeting a "new enemy" in his speech: illegal infiltrators. This accusation points to the government's tendency to scapegoat marginalized groups and exploit societal divisions for political gain. The focus on illegal infiltration, often framed as a threat to national security and cultural identity, resonates with certain segments of the population but also risks further marginalizing vulnerable communities and fueling xenophobia. Ghose's questioning of the government's record of "over-promising and under-achieving" reinforces the broader narrative of disappointment and unmet expectations. The Modi government's ambitious promises of economic growth, job creation, and social progress have often fallen short of reality, leading to a growing sense of frustration among many citizens. The criticism from AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi further amplified the controversy surrounding the RSS mention. Owaisi's assertion that Modi's glorification of the RSS from the Red Fort was "an insult to the freedom struggle" directly challenges the organization's historical role and ideological underpinnings. The RSS, founded in 1925, has been accused of promoting exclusionary Hindutva ideology and lacking participation in India's independence movement. Owaisi's pointed question – "Modi could have gone to Nagpur to praise RSS as a swayamsevak; why did he do it from the Red Fort as Prime Minister?" – underscores the inappropriateness of using a national platform to promote a particular organization with a controversial past. The Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, joined the chorus of criticism, with Yadav sarcastically suggesting that the RSS should "thank the British" on completing 100 years, a reference to the organization's origin during colonial times. This remark alludes to the RSS's perceived collaboration with the British colonial authorities and its alleged lack of commitment to the independence movement. Yadav's questioning of Modi's swadeshi rhetoric, citing trade deficits with China and the US, further undermines the government's claims of economic self-reliance. He argues that Independence Day should not be used for political messaging, emphasizing the need to maintain the sanctity of the occasion and focus on national unity rather than partisan politics. In contrast to the opposition's scathing critiques, PM Modi defended his speech, highlighting the achievements of his government and emphasizing the importance of self-reliance in key sectors such as semiconductors, social media, fertilisers, and pharmaceuticals. He also announced a high-powered demographic mission to tackle illegal infiltration, reiterating his commitment to national security and border control. The Prime Minister's hailing of 100 years of RSS as a "very proud and glorious" journey and calling it "the biggest NGO in the world" underscored his continued support for the organization and its ideology. This unwavering endorsement, despite the controversy surrounding the RSS, reflects the deep-seated alignment between the Modi government and the Hindu nationalist movement. The divergent reactions to PM Modi's Independence Day speech underscore the profound divisions within Indian society and the challenges of forging a shared national identity in a pluralistic and democratic country. The accusations of political opportunism, hollow rhetoric, and the targeting of specific groups highlight the need for greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance. The controversy surrounding the RSS mention serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding secular principles and respecting the diversity of beliefs and perspectives within the nation. As India navigates the complex challenges of the 21st century, it is essential to foster a spirit of dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect in order to build a more just and equitable society for all.