Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of driving the country towards a medieval era and fostering divisions, particularly in Northeast India, in the name of religion to maintain power. Speaking at the North East Youth Convention held at Agartala Town Hall, Roy Barman emphasized the need for unity and progress.
“Our fight is not for Congress or its workers but for a united country that moves forward,” he stated, expressing concern over growing communal divides. “As a Congress worker, it is disheartening to see people fighting over caste and religion. This is dangerous for the country.”
Criticizing RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat, Roy Barman added, “Bhagwat recently claimed India gained real independence when the Ram Mandir opened, dismissing the contributions of freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Thousands sacrificed their lives during the independence movement and Congress led that struggle.”
Roy Barman accused the BJP and RSS of undermining the Constitution and attempting to rewrite history. “The RSS didn’t participate in the freedom movement and has always opposed the Constitution. While leaders like Rajiv Gandhi and Manmohan Singh propelled India forward, the BJP is pushing the country backward, dividing people for political gain,” he said.
Highlighting the deteriorating situation in Manipur and raising concerns over recent statements by leaders from different northeastern states, Barman criticized the BJP for adopting a divide-and-rule policy. He also slammed attempts to discredit figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, asserting that Congress remains steadfast in its ideology against such narratives.
The North East Youth Convention, attended by various political leaders and youth representatives, served as a platform for discussing pressing issues affecting the region and the country at large. Roy Barman’s remarks have sparked a debate on the role of political parties in fostering unity and progress in India.
