NAGPUR, June 8 -- Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that "no single entity" can claim "exclusive credit" for the "monumental achievement" of India's freedom from the British, underlining it was a result of the actions of countless individuals and groups. Speaking at a book release in Nagpur late on Friday, Bhagwat emphasised that the freedom movement began with the 1857 uprising, which ignited a struggle that led to India's liberation. Bhagwat cited contributions of countless individuals and groups to the independence, dismissing the notion that a single entity could claim "exclusive credit" for this achievement, without naming anyone. The remarks were seen as a concerted effort by the RSS sarsanghchalak to counter the criticism of the Sangh's role in the freedom movement. Critics have long targeted the RSS - which turns 100 this October - for staying away from the freedom movement, even as its supporters argue it had a significant role, citing the involvement of leaders such as founder KB Hedgewar in the anti-colonial struggle under the influence of Lokmanya Tilak. Hegdewar, who was sentenced to one year's imprisonment for an anti-British speech in 1921, was also jailed for his involvement in the 1930 movement against the British salt monopoly. The RSS has argued that it focused on building a unified society, as social divisions led to India's subjugation, to counter criticism over its absence from the 1942 Quit India Movement. Critics, however, argue that the writings of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader MS Golwalkar, who called the anti-colonial movement reactionary and temporary and believed the real internal enemies needed to be fought, show that fighting the British was not the priority. They say RSS's aim was not the end of British rule but the establishment of a "Hindu Rashtra", putting it at odds with a secular national movement under the then umbrella organisation Congress. Speaking at the book launch, Bhagwat also emphasised that RSS workers lead ordinary lives, but often reach extraordinary heights through their actions, all while striving for the upliftment of society....