Alappuzha: AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal on Friday criticized RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's recent statement that India attained "true independence" only after the consecration of the Ram temple, calling it "anti-national" and demanding legal action against him.

Speaking to reporters about Bhagwat's remark, Venugopal described it as an "insult" to India's freedom struggle and to the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs. He stated, "Mohan Bhagwat has insulted freedom fighters and martyrs by rejecting the entire Indian freedom struggle and saying that India did not get independence in 1947."

Venugopal further claimed that Bhagwat's comment revealed the true nature of the RSS and BJP, who he said had not participated in the freedom struggle. He asserted, "A case needs to be filed against this completely anti-national statement."

The Congress leader also questioned the stance of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Bhagwat's remark. He asked, "What does the PM have to say about this statement that completely insults the country's freedom struggle movement? What does the BJP have to say about it?"

On Monday, Bhagwat suggested that the consecration date of the Ram temple in Ayodhya should be commemorated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi," as it marked the "true independence" of Bharat. The event, held on January 22, 2024, featured the installation of the Ram Lalla idol, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the ceremony.

Bhagwat's statement has drawn sharp criticism from Congress, with Rahul Gandhi condemning it as treason and an insult to every Indian. PTI