Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, calling his recent statement on India’s independence “treason.” Speaking at the inauguration of the Congress party’s new headquarters in Delhi, Gandhi accused Bhagwat of undermining the country’s struggle for independence and the sanctity of its Constitution.

Rahul Gandhi’s comments came in response to Bhagwat’s assertion that India attained “true independence” only after the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The RSS chief had made the remark while presenting the National Devi Ahilya Award in Indore, where he stated that August 15, 1947, marked only political independence, not the fulfillment of India’s cultural and spiritual aspirations.

“This is an insult to every Indian,” Gandhi said. “To claim that India did not achieve independence in 1947 is to dismiss the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters and the democratic foundation laid by the Constitution. Mohan Bhagwat has the audacity to say these things publicly. In any other country, he would be arrested and tried for treason.”

Criticizing the RSS chief further, Gandhi stated, “It’s time we stop tolerating this nonsense. The Constitution is not just a document; it’s the symbol of our freedom and the culmination of decades of struggle against colonial rule. Bhagwat’s remarks undermine all of that.”

During his speech in Indore, Bhagwat had elaborated on his view, describing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya as a representation of India’s cultural unity. He suggested that the nation’s “true independence” was established when the temple was consecrated, connecting it to the ethos of Ram, Krishna, and Shiva, who, he said, embody India’s identity.

The remarks have drawn widespread criticism from opposition leaders and historians, who argue that such statements distort the historical significance of India’s independence movement and the adoption of its Constitution in 1950.

Rahul Gandhi’s response highlights growing tensions between the Congress party and the RSS, with the opposition leader accusing the latter of undermining India’s secular values and rewriting its history to suit ideological agendas.

Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is set to file his nomination papers for the upcoming Delhi Assembly election from the New Delhi constituency today. Accompanied by numerous supporters, including many women whom he called “mothers and sisters” of the city, Mr. Kejriwal plans to seek blessings before the formal nomination process.

In a social media post on X, formerly Twitter, Kejriwal stated, “Today will be filing nomination for the polls. Many mothers and sisters will be accompanying me to bless me. Will visit Hanuman and Valmiki temples to seek blessings before filing nominations.”

The electoral battle for the New Delhi constituency will see Kejriwal facing off against Parvesh Verma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress candidate Sandeep Dikshit, marking a high-stakes triangular contest.

Corruption allegations cloud campaign

Kejriwal’s campaign comes amidst controversy, as the Union Home Ministry recently approved the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) request to prosecute him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The case is linked to allegations that AAP received bribes from the “South Group,” a cartel accused of benefiting from the 2021-22 excise policy.

The former Delhi Chief Minister has denied the allegations, accusing the BJP of weaponizing central agencies against political rivals. “These charges are baseless and politically motivated,” Kejriwal has maintained.

Election fever and political accusations

The 70-member Delhi Assembly is heading for elections on February 5, with results to be announced on February 8. The campaign period has been marked by fiery exchanges between AAP, BJP, and Congress. While the BJP and Congress have targeted Kejriwal over corruption charges and alleged extravagant spending on his official residence, AAP has countered with accusations of misgovernance and lack of development.

The ongoing “Sheesh Mahal” controversy over Kejriwal’s alleged lavish spending on his official residence has also added fuel to the election rhetoric. Both the BJP and Congress have criticized Kejriwal for misusing public funds, an issue likely to influence voter sentiment.

With election day approaching, the triangular contest promises to be a heated battle for control of the capital, with each party vying for public trust amidst the cacophony of allegations and promises.

Laurene Powell Jobs, philanthropist and widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, experienced health challenges during her visit to the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Despite developing allergies, she is determined to partake in the sacred ritual of taking a dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Jobs, who arrived on Monday after visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, is staying in a camp hosted by spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri at the Niranjini Akhara. Speaking to ANI, Swami Giri revealed, “She is quite simple and has never been to such a crowded place before. She stayed with us during the pooja and will participate in the holy dip.” Swami Giri has given her the spiritual name ‘Kamala’ during her visit.

The Maha Kumbh 2025, marking a rare celestial event occurring once every 144 years, is one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. It attracts millions of devotees, including sadhus, pilgrims, and international visitors, to Prayagraj. Ms. Jobs’ visit underscores the global draw of this ancient tradition.

On Tuesday, the first Amrit Snan (sacred dip) saw the participation of 3-4 crore devotees, including members of the 13 Akhadas of Sanatan Dharma. These akhadas, representing Shaivite, Vaishnav, and Udaseen traditions, took turns performing their rituals at the Triveni Sangam.

She plans to stay in Prayagraj until January 15 before returning to the United States to attend the January 20 swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump. Her brief yet spiritually enriching experience at the Maha Kumbh is a testament to the event’s universal appeal.

The Maha Kumbh, a grand congregation held every 12 years at one of four sacred sites in India, will continue until February 26. Key dates for holy dips include January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 3 (Basant Panchami), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).