In a scathing critique of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Indian judicial system, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has likened the RSS’s alleged targeting of Muslims to the persecution of Jews during Adolf Hitler’s regime. Singh’s comments were made during a panel discussion organized by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) on the fourth anniversary of the arrest of activists involved in anti-CAA-NRC protests, reported the Mint.
During the discussion, Singh asserted that the RSS’s approach towards Muslims resembles the systematic targeting seen in Nazi Germany. He criticized the RSS for allegedly fostering an environment that undermines democracy and the Constitution.
“The way Hitler made Jews his target, they have made Muslims their target,” Singh declared. He further accused the RSS of operating as a “nursery” for anti-democratic ideologies and compared its actions to historical injustices.
Singh also took aim at the legal system, expressing concern that bail is rarely granted to Muslims while activists linked to the anti-CAA protests face prolonged detention. He referenced a recent Supreme Court observation that “bail is the rule and jail is the exception” and questioned why this principle seems to be disregarded when it comes to Muslims. “If bail is the rule, why is it that for Muslims, bail becomes an exception?” Singh asked.
SQR Ilyas, father of Umar Khalid – one of the prominent activists jailed under stringent laws – voiced similar concerns. He criticized the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and its predecessors for being used against ordinary citizens rather than their intended targets. Ilyas argued that these laws, which were intended to combat terrorism, have instead been leveraged to stifle dissent and target marginalized communities.
Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation leader Dipankar Bhattacharya drew parallels between the current situation and the Emergency period, suggesting that those imprisoned for their activism will eventually be recognized as defenders of democracy. He emphasized that the protests against the CAA/NRC were part of a broader movement for equal citizenship, not merely a reaction to specific legislation.
Digvijaya Singh’s remarks and the broader discussion highlight ongoing tensions between the government, judiciary, and civil rights activists, underscoring the need for a fair and just legal system that upholds democratic values without bias.
