15 August P.M.Modi Live

 

 Delhi:

The opposition has reacted with 'retirement benefits' jibes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's praise of the RSS - the ruling BJP' ideological mentor - in his Independence Day speech Friday.

The Prime Minister's reference and praise infuriated the Congress, which pointed out the RSS, or Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, had refused to hoist the national flag for the 52 years.

The party also declared Mr Modi's RSS remarks 'overtures' to an organisation seen as controlling the ruling party and playing a key role in appointments to senior posts in the government, including PM.

"The PM was tired today. Soon, he will be retired," Congress comms chief Jairam Ramesh said on X, and criticised the Prime Minister's speech as "stale, hypocritical, insipid".

"It is nothing but a desperate attempt to appease the organisation in the run-up to his 75th birthday next month," he said, referring to RSS boss Mohan Bhagwat's remarks - that veteran leaders should step back when they turn 75 and give the younger generation a chance.

Many took that remark to be aimed at Mr Modi, who will turn 75 in September.