A fresh political storm has erupted after senior Congress leader Udit Raj publicly backed party colleague Manickam Tagore's incendiary remarks comparing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to a terrorist organisation. The controversy, which broke out on Sunday, December 29, 2025, has intensified the ongoing war of words between the Congress and the BJP's ideological mentor.
Tagore's Provocative Statement Sparks Row
Congress Member of Parliament Manickam Tagore triggered the controversy by making a direct comparison between the functioning and activities of the RSS and those of a terrorist outfit. He asserted that the RSS is "an organisation which is based on hate". This strong allegation, made on a Sunday, immediately drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders and RSS supporters across the country, setting the stage for a heated political debate.
Udit Raj Rallies Behind Colleague
Amid the backlash, Congress leader and former MP Udit Raj stepped forward to express his solidarity with Manickam Tagore. By backing Tagore's stance, Raj has effectively endorsed the contentious comparison, signalling a hardening of the Congress's position against the Sangh Parivar. This move is seen as a deliberate political strategy to challenge the RSS's ideological framework head-on, especially as the political temperature in the nation rises.
Political Repercussions and Escalating Tensions
The public support from Udit Raj ensures that the controversy will not die down quickly. It is expected to lead to further accusations and counter-accusations between India's major political blocs. The BJP is likely to condemn the statements as "irresponsible" and "malicious", while the Congress may frame it as a necessary critique of an organisation it views as divisive. The incident, reported by PTI at 14:45 IST on December 29, 2025, underscores the deep ideological chasm in Indian politics, where the role and nature of the RSS remain a perennial flashpoint.
As leaders from both sides prepare to amplify their arguments, this episode is set to dominate political discourse in the coming days, reflecting the persistent and bitter rivalry that defines the current political landscape.