The Congress on Friday said the RSS-BJP had unleashed the likes of Kangana Ranaut to defame India’s freedom movement because they themselves did not participate in it, and asked President Ram Nath Kovind to take back the Padma Shri awarded to the actress a few days ago.

Congress communications chief Randeep Surjewala tweeted: “Freedom movement’s stalwarts are being insulted when the country is celebrating the 75th year of Independence. Those who acted like puppets of the British cannot understand the struggle and sacrifice of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh and lakhs of other freedom fighters. That’s why supporters who have been given Z-plus security by the Government and awarded such awards like Padma Shri have been given contract to defame the freedom movement.”

Congress leaders see a sinister trend as the likes of Sakshi Maharaj and Pragya Singh Thakur, both BJP MPs, have repeatedly attacked Mahatma Gandhi and hailed his assassin Nathuram Godse.

Congress leader Anand Sharma said in a series of tweets: “Shocking and outrageous. Kangana Ranaut’s statement heaping insult on the courageous freedom fighters…. Prime Minister should break his silence and tell the nation if he endorses the views of Ms Ranaut.”

Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut said: “Kangana has insulted the country. So Kangana should apologise to the country. All her national awards should be withdrawn. BJP should also clarify its position on her statement.”

Kangana had described India’s Independence in 1947 as “bheekh” (alms) and said the country became free in 2014.