Congress Paved Way for RSS Growth, India Now Practically a Hindu Rashtra, Says Gehlot

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot has said that Congress itself paved the way for the RSS to grow to its current stature in India, and that the country has now practically been turned into a Hindu Rashtra under BJP-RSS rule — with only a formal declaration remaining. He made the remarks while speaking to journalists in Jaipur.

"The RSS should thank Congress for where they stand today. It was Congress's soft approach that allowed the RSS to grow. The RSS was banned twice, but when they submitted an apology, the ban was lifted. It is because of this approach by Congress that the RSS has been able to complete 100 years," Gehlot said.

He warned that minorities are facing a grave crisis in the country, with incidents of violence becoming routine during religious celebrations — including attacks even during Christmas. Muslims were targeted first, then Christians, and in the future others may face the same fate, he said.

Gehlot also demanded that the BJP answer questions about the massive party offices and grand structures being built across the country, and explain the source of funding for such construction.