A major political controversy has erupted after senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament, Manickam Tagore, drew a sharp parallel between the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the global terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. The remark, made during a public event in his constituency, has triggered a firestorm of criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, leading to demands for an unconditional apology and even legal action.
The Incendiary Comparison and Immediate Backlash
The incident occurred on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu. While addressing supporters, Manickam Tagore, the Congress MP from Virudhunagar, made the contentious statement. He reportedly said that the ideology of the RSS was similar to that of Al-Qaeda, implying both organizations propagate extremist views. The comment was swiftly captured on video and circulated widely on social media platforms, amplifying the reach and impact of his words.
The reaction from the BJP was immediate and severe. Party leaders condemned the statement as "reckless, inflammatory, and an insult to millions of patriotic RSS volunteers." They accused Tagore of attempting to malign a socio-cultural organization that has contributed to nation-building. Senior BJP figures demanded that the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, publicly reprimand Tagore and force him to apologize to the nation. There were also calls for filing a formal police complaint against the MP for allegedly promoting enmity between groups.
Congress's Damage Control and Internal Tensions
Facing intense pressure, the Congress party moved into damage control mode. While stopping short of an outright condemnation, top party officials indicated that Tagore's views were his personal opinion and did not reflect the official stance of the Indian National Congress. This distancing act highlighted the tightrope the party walks between its traditional secular, anti-RSS posture and the need to avoid alienating wider voter bases with extreme rhetoric.
Insiders suggest the remark has caused discomfort within the Congress. Some leaders fear it could be used by the BJP to paint the entire opposition as anti-national, especially in the heated political climate. However, a section of the party's base and certain leaders silently agree with the sentiment, viewing the RSS as a radical ideological opponent. This internal dichotomy was evident in the carefully worded, non-committal responses from the party's official spokespersons.
Broader Political Repercussions and Legal Angle
The controversy has swiftly moved beyond a war of words. Legal experts are debating whether Tagore's statement could attract charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to promoting disharmony. BJP's legal cell is reportedly exploring options to file a case. Politically, the episode is likely to dominate the news cycle for the coming days, providing fresh ammunition for the BJP-led NDA to attack the Congress and the INDIA opposition bloc ahead of crucial political engagements.
The RSS itself, through its affiliated organizations, issued strong denunciations. They labeled the comparison as "a product of a bankrupt political mind" and a desperate attempt to gain relevance. Sangh supporters have begun organizing small protests in various parts of the country, demanding action against the Congress leader.
This is not the first time a political leader has compared the RSS to a terrorist group, but the explicit naming of Al-Qaeda by a sitting MP has given the accusation a new, more severe dimension. The fallout underscores the deep ideological chasm that defines Indian politics today, where the battle is as much about perception and narrative as it is about policy. The Congress leadership's next step—whether to officially censure Tagore or back him tacitly—will be closely watched as a signal of its strategy going forward.
