‘Ethics, Values’: Revanth Reddy’s Sonia Gandhi Counter In Row Over Digvijaya Singh’s Praise For RSS

Last Updated:December 29, 2025, 10:33 IST

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy marked the Congress’s 140th foundation day by reaffirming the party’s legacy, democratic role and Sonia Gandhi’s leadership in a post on X.

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday marked the 140th foundation day of the Indian National Congress with a statement on the party’s legacy, leadership and role in shaping Indian democracy, even as the party grappled with internal disquiet triggered by senior leader Digvijaya Singh’s remarks praising the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

In a post on X, Revanth Reddy on Sunday described the Congress as a historic force rooted in the people’s movement of India.

“CONGRESS…A force for people of India was born 140 years ago on this day. The story of the Indian National Congress is the story of Indian democracy in motion,” he wrote.

Reflecting on the party’s leadership, the Telangana Chief Minister highlighted the role of former Congress president Sonia Gandhi, crediting her with upholding values-driven politics.

“When one reflects on the leadership of Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji, we find service, commitment, ethics and values,” Reddy wrote in his post.

He further underlined the Congress’s tradition of enabling leaders from diverse social and regional backgrounds to rise to the highest constitutional offices.

“Under Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji’s leadership, it became possible for Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao garu who started his public career from a remote village in Telangana to rise to become Prime Minister of the country,” he said, also noting that “Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji also made an economist like Dr Manmohan Singh Ji as prime minister.”

Revanth Reddy’s message concluded with a broader assertion of the Congress’s historical role, stating that from leading India’s freedom struggle to framing the Constitution, and from building democratic institutions to uniting a diverse nation, the party has shaped every defining chapter of modern India.

The post came against the backdrop of an internal controversy within the Congress following Digvijaya Singh’s X post praising the organisational strength of the RSS.

Singh had shared an old black-and-white photograph showing a young Narendra Modi seated on the floor near BJP veteran LK Advani, and remarked on how grassroots workers could rise through the organisational hierarchy to become Chief Minister and Prime Minister.

Calling it the “power of organisation,” Singh’s remarks triggered sharp reactions within his own party.

Reacting strongly, Congress Media and Publicity Department chairman Pawan Khera distanced the party from Singh’s comments.

“There’s nothing to learn from the RSS. What can an organisation known for Godse teach an organisation founded by Gandhi?” Khera said, taking a sharp dig at the Sangh and linking it to Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.

Facing criticism, Digvijaya Singh issued a clarification, reiterating that he opposed the RSS’s ideology but admired its organisational capacity.

“I am opposed to the ideology of the RSS. They neither respect the Constitution nor the country’s laws, and it’s an unregistered organisation. But I admire their organisational capacity,” he said, adding that despite its lack of formal registration, the organisation had become powerful.

Singh also acknowledged organisational shortcomings within the Congress, stating that while it remains a movement-based party, it has struggled to convert that movement into votes.

“There is room for improvement, and every organisation should always have room for improvement,” he said.

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