As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its 100th anniversary, the Congress party has reignited a historical debate by citing excerpts from a significant biography of Mahatma Gandhi. On Thursday, October 2, 2025, the Congress asserted that Gandhi himself once characterized the RSS as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook.”
Jairam Ramesh, the Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, took to social media platform X to highlight this claim. He referenced Pyarelal, a close aide who served on Gandhi’s personal staff for nearly three decades and later became his secretary. Pyarelal’s extensively researched books on Mahatma Gandhi are considered authoritative reference works.
Ramesh pointed out that the first volume of Pyarelal’s book, “Mahatma Gandhi: The Last Phase,” published in 1956 by Navajivan Publishing House, Ahmedabad, featured a compelling introduction by then-President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and an endorsement from Vice President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. The second volume followed two years later.
According to Ramesh, on page 440 of the second volume, Pyarelal documents a conversation on September 12, 1947, where Mahatma Gandhi explicitly described the RSS as a “communal body with a totalitarian outlook.” Significantly, the Congress leader highlighted that just five months after this conversation, Union Home Minister Sardar Patel moved to ban the RSS.
Ramesh further reinforced his stance by sharing a screenshot of the relevant passage from the book, leaving no room for doubt regarding Gandhi’s alleged characterization of the organization.
This renewed focus on historical context follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent commendation of the RSS for its role in nation-building, delivered during its centenary celebrations on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The Congress swiftly responded by recalling Sardar Patel’s strong views on the RSS, specifically his assertion that the Sangh’s activities fostered an environment conducive to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.
In another social media post from Wednesday, Ramesh challenged the Prime Minister, asking if he was “even aware” of Sardar Patel’s letter to Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee dated July 18, 1948. From this letter, Ramesh quoted Patel’s remarks:
“Regarding the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha, while the case concerning Gandhiji’s murder is sub-judice, I prefer not to comment on the involvement of these two organizations. However, our intelligence reports confirm that the actions of these bodies, especially the RSS, created an atmosphere in the country where such a horrific tragedy became possible.”
Patel’s letter further detailed concerns, stating: “The activities of the RSS posed a clear threat to the government and the State’s very existence. Our reports indicate that these activities have not ceased, despite the ban. In fact, as time progresses, RSS circles are becoming more defiant and are increasingly engaging in subversive activities.”
Ramesh also reminded the public that Sardar Patel had robustly addressed the RSS during a large public gathering in Jaipur on December 19, 1948.
During the RSS centenary celebrations in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi had lauded the organization, noting its steadfast commitment to the “nation first” principle and its resilience in the face of numerous critiques, without ever exhibiting bitterness.