• The Times of India
• The Times of India

Here’s a clear English summary of the recent development:

Asaduddin Owaisi’s Reaction to the I-Day Speech

On August 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort, praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)—referring to its centenary as “100 years of national service” and labeling it as “the largest NGO in the world.” (Odisha Bytes, The Times of India)

Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of AIMIM, strongly objected to this acknowledgment. He took to social media (X) to denounce the praise, stating:

“Glorifying the RSS in an Independence Day speech is an insult to the freedom struggle. The RSS and its ideological allies served as British foot soldiers. They never joined the fight for independence and hated Gandhi more than they ever opposed the British.” (Moneycontrol, Odisha Bytes)

Owaisi further questioned the appropriateness of the Red Fort—the symbolic heart of India’s freedom—as the venue for such commendation. (Moneycontrol)

Context & Broader Responses

• Opposition Pushback: Several opposition leaders condemned Modi’s inclusion of RSS praise in the Independence Day address. They labeled it inappropriate for such a national platform, arguing the speech was more politically driven than unifying. (The Times of India)
• Akhilesh Yadav’s Take: Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav criticized both the RSS and BJP, suggesting that despite professing “Swadeshi” ideals, their roots and affiliations suggested otherwise. He made a provocative remark implying that some organizations may owe their genesis to colonial interests. (The Times of India)

Summary Table