PM Modi Lauds RSS for Role During 1984 Riots, Unveils Commemorative Stamp and Coin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) centenary celebrations in New Delhi on Wednesday, praised the organisation’s volunteers for their humanitarian efforts, particularly during times of crisis. He notably highlighted the role of RSS swayamsevaks during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, saying they had opened their homes to Sikh families seeking refuge.

“In 1984, during the Sikh massacre, many Sikh families took shelter in the homes of RSS swayamsevaks. This is the nature of swayamsevaks — always ready to serve,” Modi said, referring to the violence that erupted after then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards. The riots, which primarily affected Delhi and other northern cities, claimed thousands of Sikh lives in brutal mob violence.

The Prime Minister also referred to former President Pranab Mukherjee’s visit to the RSS headquarters in Nagpur, saying he was deeply moved by the organisation’s simplicity and commitment. “He was greatly influenced by the dedication of the RSS,” Modi added.

Modi further praised RSS volunteers for their swift response during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. “From floods in Punjab to the tragedies in Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Wayanad — the swayamsevaks were the first to reach and provide aid,” he said.

As part of the centenary celebrations, the Prime Minister also unveiled a special ₹100 commemorative coin and a postage stamp in honour of the RSS. “This is a historic moment. For the first time in independent India’s history, Bharat Mata has been featured on Indian currency,” Modi said. The coin features the national emblem on one side and on the reverse, an image of Bharat Mata in Varada Mudra, accompanied by a lion and bowing swayamsevaks.

However, Modi’s remarks sparked a sharp response from the Congress party. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the party criticised the celebration of the RSS, calling it a "misfortune" that a “communal and hateful organisation” is influencing the government. The Congress also accused the RSS of being absent from key moments in India’s freedom struggle, including the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement.

The exchange highlights the continued political divide over the legacy and role of the RSS in Indian society and governance.