Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech took a dramatic turn when he openly praised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), calling it a force for unity and national integrity. The mention, welcomed by senior RSS leader Ram Madhav, has set off a political storm. While RSS supporters hailed the recognition ahead of its centenary celebrations in October, critics from the Congress and opposition accused the PM of politicizing the national stage. Ram Madhav defended Modi’s remarks, stressing that the RSS and BJP are part of one ideological family, with the Sangh working in society and the BJP handling politics. He dismissed charges of friction, insisting that opponents only seek political mileage by targeting the RSS. As the organization approaches its 100th year, the Prime Minister’s words have reignited old debates over nationalism, ideology, and the RSS’s influence on India’s governance.