The Congress and Left parties have criticized the live telecast of RSS Chief's speech by Doordarshan. Congress spokesman Sandeep Dikshit has termed the telecast as a dangerous tradition as it called the RSS as a controversial religious and political organisation.

Taking exception to the live telecast of Bhagwat's speech, CPI (M) Politburo in a statement, said, the national public broadcaster has no business to telecast live the speech of the Chief of an organisation like RSS.

CPI leader D Raja sought an explanation from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry for allegedly allowing Doordarshan to broadcast the speech.

However, BJP has defended the live telecast of Bhagwat's speech. BJP leader Shaina N C said the RSS is a nationalist organisation, which believes in India first and considers the country above the interest of any individual. She said RSS has genuinely contributed to patriotism and nation-building.