Rahul Gandhi Calls RSS an “All-Male Anti-Constitutional Cult,” Says He Believes in Shiva-Shakti
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, accusing the organisation of promoting a male-dominated outlook and holding views that, according to him, are contrary to constitutional values. In a post on the social media platform X, Gandhi described the RSS as an “all-male anti-constitutional cult” and alleged that it considers women the property of men.
Gandhi said he believes in Shiva-Shakti and added that many women associated with the RSS support his position. His remarks were made on the organisation's foundation day, which coincided with its annual Vijayadashami gathering in Nagpur.
Rahul Gandhi's Statement on X
In his post, Gandhi criticised what he described as the RSS's attitude towards women and constitutional principles. He said his belief in Shiva-Shakti was central to his opposition to the organisation and claimed that women associated with the RSS were also on his side.
The statement quickly drew attention because of its strong language and its focus on gender equality, women's autonomy and the ideological differences between the Congress and the RSS.
Gandhi's comments should be understood as political allegations made by the Congress leader. The characterisation of the organisation and the claims about its views on women were his own statements, rather than independent findings established by the post itself.
Remarks Coincide with RSS Foundation Day
Gandhi's criticism came as the RSS marked its foundation day and held its annual Vijayadashami event in Nagpur. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the gathering and spoke about a range of national and social issues, including unity, protests, constitutional conduct and the organisation's role in Indian society.
Bhagwat cautioned that protests could be diverted to serve political interests and deepen divisions instead of addressing underlying problems. He also urged political leaders, protesters and government authorities to respect constitutional boundaries and maintain responsible public discourse.
The timing of Gandhi's post brought competing political perspectives into focus on a day of significance for the RSS. While Bhagwat's address emphasised social cohesion and the organisation's stated objectives, Gandhi's remarks questioned the RSS's approach to gender and constitutional values.
Congress and RSS: Ideological Differences
The Congress and the RSS have long held different positions on India's political, social and cultural direction. The Congress operates as a political party, while the RSS describes itself as a social and cultural organisation. The organisation's ideology and its influence on Indian politics have frequently been subjects of public debate.
Gandhi's latest comments reflect the continuing disagreement between the Congress leadership and the RSS over questions of constitutional values, social equality and the role of women in public life.
His use of the phrase “Shiva-Shakti” invoked a Hindu religious concept associated with Shiva and Shakti. Gandhi used the expression to explain his own position in the political dispute and to contrast it with the outlook he attributed to the RSS.
The remarks are part of a wider political debate in which leaders from different parties regularly challenge one another's policies, ideologies and interpretations of social issues.
Focus on Women's Role and Gender Equality
The central issue raised in Gandhi's statement was the status of women and their place in social and organisational life. His allegation that the RSS views women as the property of men was a direct criticism of what he sees as a male-dominated ideology.
Questions about women's participation, representation and autonomy remain important subjects in India's public discourse. Political parties and social organisations often face scrutiny over how their stated principles translate into participation and decision-making in practice.
Gandhi's claim that women associated with the RSS support him was also part of his political argument. The post did not identify those individuals or provide further details about the basis for that assertion.
Readers should distinguish the leader's allegations from independently verified information about the organisation and the views of its members. The statement represents Gandhi's position in an ongoing political disagreement.
Political Significance of the Statement
Gandhi's comments add to the continuing exchange between the Congress and the RSS over constitutional principles, social identity and gender equality. The fact that the remarks were published during the RSS's foundation-day celebrations gave the criticism additional political context.
The episode also illustrates how social media has become a prominent platform for political leaders to communicate directly with the public and respond to events as they unfold. Posts on such platforms can quickly become part of wider political debate, particularly when they involve prominent leaders and major organisations.
As the discussion continues, the key issues are likely to include the role of women in social organisations, the interpretation of constitutional values and the ideological differences between the Congress and the RSS.
Gandhi's statement is a political criticism, and the claims contained in it should be attributed to him when reported. A balanced account should present the remarks in context, avoid treating allegations as established facts and distinguish the views of political leaders from independently verified information.
