Congress Slams RSS Chief Over Meal with Adnan Sami Meeting

February 9, 2026

The Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee on Monday criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for sharing a meal with singer‑composer Adnan Sami during the centenary celebrations of the RSS in Mumbai. The opposition party described the interaction as “anti‑national” and questioned Bhagwat’s judgment and allegiance.

The criticism was expressed through a social media post on X by Maharashtra Congress leaders, who took aim at both the meeting and the larger symbolism of the two personalities dining together.

Congress Labels Meeting ‘Anti‑National’ Over Family Background Claim

In its post, the Congress highlighted Adnan Sami’s family background, mentioning that his father, Arshad Sami Khan, served as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force and was involved in operations against India during the 1965 India‑Pakistan war, including the attack on the Pathankot air base.

The party suggested that Bhagwat’s decision to share a meal with someone whose family had that history was inappropriate. “Today, Mohan Bhagwat is enjoying a meal with him. RSS = anti‑national,” the Congress wrote in the post on X.

Adnan Sami’s Expression of Respect for Bhagwat

The controversy unfolded after Adnan Sami himself posted photos and comments from the meeting on his X handle. The singer referred to Bhagwat as the “legendary Sarsanghchalak (chief) of RSS” and spoke warmly of their interaction, saying that many myths and misconceptions about the RSS were “eloquently explained and cleared” during their conversation.

Sami’s post, which included several pictures of him with Bhagwat at the event, was shared widely on social media and helped fuel the debate.

Political Reactions and Broader Context

The Maharashtra Congress’s attack on Bhagwat fits into a larger pattern of political friction between the Congress party and the RSS in recent years. Opposition leaders, including Congress figures at the national level, have often criticized RSS ideologues and decision‑makers on a range of issues, from ideological stances to public appearances and statements.

Though the RSS describes itself as a cultural and social organization rather than a political party, critics frequently accuse it of having deep influence on governing institutions and political discourse in India.

Public and Media Response

The social media exchange drew responses across the political spectrum, with supporters of Bhagwat defending his engagement with a public figure like Adnan Sami, and opponents using it to underscore their long‑standing concerns about the RSS’s role and priorities. The debate highlights how personal interactions at public events can quickly take on political significance in the country’s charged political environment.

As the controversy continues on social media platforms and in political commentary, both sides remain entrenched in their respective narratives on national identity, symbolism and public figures’ roles in public life.