Priyanka Gandhi Slams BJP-RSS Amid Row Over Indian Hockey Teams' Saffron Jerseys

Speaking to reporters in the Parliament House complex, Gandhi was responding to a question on the Indian men's and women's hockey teams adopting saffron jerseys instead of their traditional blue kits for next month's FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Reacting to the issue, the Congress general secretary said, "They may change the uniform, they may try to change the history through the education policy, they can do whatever they want, but you have seen what the youth think about this."

Referring to the gathering at Jantar Mantar, she added, "The youth that had gathered at Jantar Mantar, what were they saying about this? That is the voice of the country."

Gandhi also said that the fight for India's freedom was based on truth and non-violence and that the RSS was nowhere in the picture during the freedom movement.

She said the entire country knows the truth and that those who did not know are now getting to understand the intentions of the BJP-RSS.

Highlighting the role of the Congress, Gandhi said the freedom movement was carried out under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

"The soul of this country is imbued with truth, non-violence, brotherhood and no one can change that," Priyanka Gandhi asserted. She added that neither the RSS nor anyone else could alter those values.

"No matter how much violence, hate and division they may spread, the soul of the country that has brotherhood, mutual harmony and unity cannot be changed," Gandhi said.

The controversy comes after Hockey India unveiled new saffron jerseys for the Indian men's and women's hockey teams ahead of next month's FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium. Announcing the new kit on its social media platforms, Hockey India said the design and colour of the jersey were intended to "tell a story" and represent "India's pride." According to the federation, saffron symbolises courage, sacrifice and victory.

The decision to replace the traditional blue main jersey with saffron drew criticism from former India captain Viren Rasquinha.

"I must say that Hockey India has done many good things for... But this is embarrassing. The legacy and identity of the Indian team has always been BLUE. I wore the Blue jersey with pride for many years. Fans want to see our Indian team in blue. What is the logic of orange?" Rasquinha, who is also the CEO of Olympic Gold Quest, wrote on X. He further added, "My simple & humble point is on pride, identity & legacy."

However, the national federation defended the move, stating that there is nothing wrong with choosing saffron because it is "a part of our tricolour."

The remarks by Priyanka Gandhi and the criticism from Viren Rasquinha have added political and sporting dimensions to the debate over the Indian hockey teams' new jerseys, while Hockey India has maintained that the colour choice reflects national pride.