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February 9, 2026, Mumbai: The recent interaction between renowned musician Adnan Sami and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has ignited a significant political debate across the country. The meeting took place during a high-profile event in Mumbai organized to commemorate the centenary of the RSS. Following the encounter, the Padma Shri awardee shared his experience on social media, describing the afternoon as enlightening and praising the RSS leader for addressing various misconceptions.
However, this engagement has drawn sharp rebukes from several opposition groups, most notably the Maharashtra Congress. In a series of public statements, party representatives questioned the optics of the meeting by highlighting the military background of the singer’s late father. They pointed out that Arshad Sami Khan served as a distinguished pilot in the Pakistan Air Force and participated in combat operations during the 1965 conflict, specifically referencing historical actions near the Pathankot air base.
The opposition has used these historical ties to challenge the ideological consistency of the RSS, with some leaders labeling the interaction as a contradiction of the organization’s stated nationalist principles. Shiv Sena (UBT) members also joined the critique, questioning the message being sent to the public through such high-profile social engagements with individuals of diverse ancestral backgrounds.
Despite the mounting political friction, the singer maintained that the dialogue was a positive step toward understanding the cultural and social vision of the Sangh. He emphasized that the conversation helped clear various myths he previously held about the organization. As the centennial celebrations continue, the incident remains a focal point for broader discussions regarding political identity and national sentiment in the current climate.
