Mumbai, India — February 9, 2026
A political controversy has broken out following a meeting between Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and noted singer Adnan Sami, with the Indian National Congress questioning the RSS’s stance on nationalism.
The Maharashtra unit of the Congress objected to Bhagwat sharing a meal with Adnan Sami, calling the interaction “anti-national” and alleging contradictions in the RSS’s nationalist messaging.
🗣️ Congress Raises Objections on Social Media
In a post on X, Congress leaders claimed that Adnan Sami’s father, Arshad Sami Khan, served as a pilot in the Pakistan Air Force and participated in the 1965 India–Pakistan war, including an alleged attack on the Pathankot airbase.
Referring to this claim, Congress accused the RSS of hypocrisy, stating that while the organization often speaks about nationalism, it is engaging with individuals whose family history, according to the party, is linked to actions against India.
The Congress described the meeting as revealing what it termed the RSS’s “anti-national face.”
🎉 Meeting Took Place During RSS Centenary Event
The meeting occurred in Mumbai during the RSS centenary celebrations, a two-day event attended by several prominent personalities from different fields. Adnan Sami was among the invitees at the event.
The RSS has not issued an official response to the Congress’s criticism at the time of publication.
🎶 Adnan Sami Praises Mohan Bhagwat
Following the meeting, Padma Shri awardee Adnan Sami shared photographs with Mohan Bhagwat on social media, expressing appreciation for the RSS chief.
Sami said spending time with Bhagwat was a “wonderful experience” and added that listening to him helped clear several misunderstandings and misconceptions he previously held. He described Bhagwat as a “kind, noble, and remarkable human being.”
⚖️ Political Reactions Continue
The Congress has continued to question the RSS’s interpretation of patriotism, arguing that associating with individuals whose family background, as alleged by the party, is linked to anti-India actions contradicts the organization’s nationalist narrative.
Meanwhile, supporters of the meeting have argued that individuals should not be judged by their family history and that dialogue across backgrounds is essential in a democratic society.
The issue has triggered widespread debate on social media and in political circles, adding another layer to the ongoing ideological tussle between the Congress and the RSS.
