New Delhi— Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Saturday sparked a political buzz after praising the organisational strength of the RSS and BJP while sharing an old photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing how a grassroots worker rose to become a chief minister and eventually the prime minister.
The remarks came ahead of a crucial meeting of the Congress Working Committee, which decided to launch an agitation against the scrapping of MGNREGA from January 5. Singh’s comments drew attention at a time when the party leadership was deliberating on strategies to counter the ruling BJP.
Sources said Singh raised the issue of strengthening the Congress organisation at the grassroots level during internal discussions, stressing that a strong cadre-based structure was essential to challenge the BJP and dislodge it from power.
In a post on X, Singh wrote in Hindi that it was impressive how a grassroots “swayamsevak” of the RSS and a worker of the Jan Sangh went on to become the chief minister of a state and later the prime minister by sitting at the feet of their leaders, calling it a reflection of organisational power. He ended the post with “Jai Siya Ram”.
The remarks created a flutter within political circles, prompting Singh to later clarify his position. He said his comments were misunderstood and insisted that he was only highlighting the importance of organisational strength, not praising the BJP or the RSS.
“I praised the organisation. You people have misunderstood things. I am a staunch opponent of the BJP and the RSS,” Singh said in a clarification posted after the CWC meeting.
Congress leaders avoided questions from the media during the press briefing following the CWC meeting, as the party focused on finalising its agitational programme against the Centre.
