Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has once again found himself at the centre of a political storm after his remarks highlighting the organisational strength of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) sparked intense reactions within his own party. What began as a comment on political organisation has now turned into a wider internal debate, exposing contrasting views among Congress leaders on how to counter the BJP’s rise.

The controversy erupted after Singh shared an old photograph on social media featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside veteran BJP leader LK Advani. Using the image as a reference point, Singh underlined how disciplined organisational structures can elevate grassroots workers to top leadership positions. His post was interpreted by many as an indirect appreciation of the RSS-BJP ecosystem’s ability to nurture leaders from modest beginnings.

While Singh later reiterated that his ideological opposition to the BJP and RSS remains unchanged, his remarks triggered discomfort within sections of the Congress, with some leaders accusing him of sending mixed signals at a politically sensitive time.

The sharpest response came from Congress MP Manickam Tagore, who launched a fierce attack on the RSS. Rejecting any suggestion that the organisation offered lessons worth learning, Tagore described it as an entity driven by divisive ideology. In a strongly worded statement, he compared the RSS to extremist organisations, arguing that groups built on hatred cannot serve as models for democratic politics.

Tagore’s comments intensified the internal disagreement, drawing clear lines within the party. While some leaders felt Singh’s observation was purely organisational and not ideological, others viewed it as crossing a red line by appearing to legitimise the RSS.

Amid the escalating debate, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor adopted a more measured stance. Without endorsing the RSS ideology, Tharoor suggested that political parties must objectively analyse why opponents succeed electorally. He stressed that organisational discipline, clarity of structure, and grassroots engagement are areas where Congress needs urgent reform to revive its national footprint.