Pawan Khera distances Congress from Digvijaya Singh’s remarks praising RSS
New Delhi: The Indian National Congress on Sunday saw a public difference of opinion after senior leader Digvijaya Singh praised the organisational structure of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, prompting a sharp response from the party’s media chief Pawan Khera.
Khera, who heads the Congress’ media and publicity department, said the party had “nothing to learn” from the RSS and distanced the Congress from Singh’s remarks. Taking a strong ideological stand, Khera linked the RSS to Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin, and said, “What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?”
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The controversy followed Singh’s social media post in which he shared an old black-and-white photograph showing Narendra Modi seated on the floor beside senior BJP leader L. K. Advani during an event in Gujarat in the 1990s. Singh said the image illustrated the “power of organisation,” pointing to how grassroots workers of the RSS and the Jan Sangh could rise to become chief minister and prime minister.
In his post on X, Singh tagged several Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, as well as Jairam Ramesh, along with Prime Minister Modi. He described the photograph, sourced from Quora, as “impressive” and said it demonstrated organisational strength.
Speaking to ANI later, Singh clarified that he opposed the ideology of the RSS but admired its organisational capacity. He said the RSS did not respect the Constitution or laws and remained an unregistered organisation, but noted that its influence was such that even the Prime Minister had described it as the world’s largest NGO from the Red Fort.
Singh also reflected on the Congress’ organisational challenges, saying there was scope for improvement. Describing the Congress as a movement-based party, he said its weakness lay in converting mass movements into electoral success.
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Ayurveda student dies by suicide
Chitradurga (Karnataka) (PTI): An Ayurvedic student allegedly died by suicide in Holalkere town after being distressed over defamatory rumours linking her to a lecturer, police sources said on Thursday.
According to police, the student was reportedly upset over false allegations spread by some individuals about her having a relationship with a faculty member.
"The victim was deeply affected by the defamation and is suspected to have taken the extreme step due to mental distress caused by such rumours," police sources said.
Police said the student left behind a death note before hanging herself in her house on Wednesday. She has explained the reasons behind her decision.
"The note contains references to certain individuals, including a faculty member, and mentions alleged harassment by some students. It also indicates that action should be taken against those responsible," sources added.
Based on the contents of the death note, a case has been registered at the Holalkere police station.
"We are examining the allegations mentioned in the note, including the source of the defamatory campaign and whether the victim was subjected to mental harassment. The role of all those named is being verified," police sources said.
Family members told police that the student had not shared any such issues earlier and that the incident came as a shock.
In his statement, the victim's brother said, "If something like this has happened, there must be some serious issue. But she never shared anything about it. We don't understand what exactly led to this. She used to tell us everything, and never appeared disturbed. This sudden decision has surprised us."
He further stated that a complaint has been lodged and all relevant materials, including the death note, have been submitted to the police.
Police said further investigation is underway.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
