Rahul Gandhi’s Light Remark to Digvijaya Singh Sparks Buzz at Congress Foundation Day Event

A brief, light-hearted exchange between senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Digvijaya Singh during the party’s Foundation Day celebrations on Sunday drew attention within party circles, coming just a day after Singh’s social media post triggered internal unease.

Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh met Rahul Gandhi at the Congress headquarters, Indira Bhavan, where leaders had gathered to mark the party’s Foundation Day. According to sources present at the event, as the two greeted each other, Rahul Gandhi jokingly told Singh, “You misbehaved yesterday.” The remark prompted laughter among those nearby, including Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi, easing what had become a tense internal moment for the party.

The exchange reportedly took place later in the day, during informal conversations over tea and snacks following the official programme.

The Post That Sparked Discomfort

The comment referred to a social media post shared by Digvijaya Singh on Saturday, ahead of a Congress Working Committee meeting. Singh had posted an old photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with BJP veteran L.K. Advani, praising the organisational strength of the RSS-BJP ecosystem.

In his post, Singh highlighted Modi’s political journey from being a grassroots worker to becoming Prime Minister, describing it as a reflection of strong organisational discipline. The message, which concluded with the phrase “Jai Siya Ram,” quickly attracted criticism from within the Congress, with several leaders questioning its timing and tone.

Congress leader Pawan Khera responded publicly, saying the Congress did not require lessons from what he described as “Godse’s organisation,” underlining the ideological divide between the party and the RSS-BJP combine.

Digvijaya Singh’s Clarification

Following the backlash, Digvijaya Singh issued a clarification, stating that he remains firmly opposed to the ideology of the RSS and Prime Minister Modi. He said his remarks were confined to acknowledging organisational structure and discipline, and should not be interpreted as political or ideological endorsement.

Kharge Reasserts Congress Ideology

Without naming the controversy directly, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge appeared to address the broader issue during his Foundation Day speech. He rejected claims that the Congress had weakened ideologically, asserting that the party had not compromised on constitutional values, secularism, or the rights of the poor.

Kharge also drew a sharp contrast between the Congress and the BJP, saying the Congress had never sought votes in the name of religion or promoted divisions over temple-mosque issues. He described the Congress as an enduring ideology, arguing that while parties may lose power, ideological movements do not fade away.

A Day of Contrasts for the Congress

The episode underscored the complex dynamics within the Congress — balancing internal differences with public unity. While Digvijaya Singh’s post exposed sensitivities over messaging and ideology, the warm exchange with Rahul Gandhi reflected camaraderie and an effort to keep disagreements from overshadowing the party’s Foundation Day, a moment meant to reaffirm its legacy and core values.