Controversy Erupts as Digvijaya Singh Hails RSS Roots with Throwback PM Photo

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has once again sparked a political controversy by sharing an old photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, triggering sharp reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and renewed debate within the Congress.

Old Photograph Goes Viral

Singh shared a black-and-white photograph, reportedly sourced from Quora, showing Narendra Modi and L.K. Advani seated on the floor during a political gathering in Gujarat around the 1996 Assembly elections. The post quickly gained traction on social media, drawing attention from political leaders and commentators across party lines.

Singh Praises RSS–Jana Sangh Cadre Culture

Accompanying the photograph, Digvijaya Singh praised the organisational strength of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Jana Sangh. In his post, Singh wrote that the image was “very impressive” and highlighted how grassroots workers of the RSS and Jana Sangh sit at the feet of senior leaders and eventually rise to become Chief Ministers and even Prime Ministers.

BJP Hits Back at Congress Leadership

The BJP seized upon Singh’s remarks to target the Congress leadership. BJP National Spokesperson C.R. Kesavan described Singh’s post as a “shocking truth bomb” that, according to him, exposed the contrast between the BJP’s cadre-based culture and what he termed the Congress party’s “undemocratic and tyrannical” leadership structure.

Kesavan questioned whether Rahul Gandhi would respond to what he called the “first family’s” control over the Congress, suggesting that Singh’s comments indirectly criticised his own party’s functioning.

Congress Faces Internal Discomfort

Singh’s post has also reportedly caused unease within the Congress, with party leaders questioning why a senior leader would publicly praise the ideological roots of the BJP and the RSS. The incident has intensified speculation about Singh’s standing within the party at a sensitive time.

Uncertainty Over Rajya Sabha Term

The controversy comes amid growing speculation over Digvijaya Singh’s political future, as his Rajya Sabha term is set to expire in early 2026 and is widely believed unlikely to be renewed. At the same time, the Congress in Madhya Pradesh is grappling with internal power struggles involving leaders such as Kamal Nath, Meenakshi Natarajan and state unit chief Jitu Patwari.

Social Media as a Political Battleground

The episode underscores the deepening rivalry between the Congress and the BJP, highlighting how social media has become a key arena for political confrontation. Rather than remaining a historical reflection, the old photograph has turned into a fresh flashpoint, exemplifying the polarised and antagonistic nature of contemporary political discourse online.