Ram Madhav Dismisses Talk of BJP-RSS Rift: "Part of the Same Ideological Family"

BJP leader and senior RSS functionary Ram Madhav on Saturday dismissed ongoing speculation about a rift between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), asserting that both are united by a shared ideology and purpose.

Speaking to news agency ANI, the former BJP national general secretary said, "These kinds of speculations keep surfacing from time to time. When there's nothing else to talk about, people drag in the RSS and claim there's tension with the BJP. But the truth is, RSS and BJP are two organisations connected as part of the same ideological family."

Madhav clarified that while the BJP functions within the political system, the RSS focuses on social and cultural service outside the realm of electoral politics. "There is no tension," he said, adding that people from all political backgrounds — including the Congress — are welcome in the RSS.

### Context: Modi’s Independence Day Praise for RSS Draws Criticism

Madhav’s comments come just days after Congress leaders criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising the RSS during his Independence Day 2025 address, calling the remarks an “insult to the Constitution.”

Responding to the criticism, Madhav said Modi’s speech had inspired swayamsevaks across the country and acknowledged the RSS’s 100 years of selfless service. “Some people, especially in the Congress, have always opposed the RSS for political reasons. But deep down, even they know the Sangh works for the Hindu society and for the nation, and does so while staying away from active politics,” he said.

He added that the RSS has always focused on “man-making” and nurturing individuals of strong character and values, irrespective of their political leanings.

"When I say people from all political backgrounds are welcome, that includes the Congress as well. But some believe that opposing the RSS brings them political advantage," Madhav noted.

### RSS Also Emphasises Unity

Earlier, RSS leader Arun Kumar had also addressed similar speculation, saying the BJP and the Sangh continue to work with “mutual trust” while maintaining their independent roles. He emphasised that both organisations are committed to the same larger goals, even if their operational approaches differ.

The repeated statements from senior leaders appear aimed at quelling rumours of growing friction between the RSS and BJP amid changing political dynamics and internal debates ahead of upcoming elections.