The exchange occurred during the Congress's 140th Foundation Day celebrations at the party headquarters, Indira Bhawan. As the two shook hands amid tea and snacks after formal events, Gandhi's remark drew laughter from nearby leaders, including Sonia Gandhi.

Singh's comments stemmed from a December 27 social media post sharing a 1990s photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi sitting on the floor near veteran LK Advani. He described it as evidence of how grassroots RSS and BJP workers rise to top positions, calling it the "power of the organisation."

The post, tagging senior Congress leaders, sparked internal criticism. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera said Congress had nothing to learn from an organisation linked to Nathuram Godse's ideology. MP Manickam Tagore equated the RSS to groups spreading hatred.

Singh clarified he admired only the organisational structure, remaining a staunch opponent of RSS and Modi's policies.

BJP leaders welcomed Singh's initial praise, with Devendra Fadnavis noting growing recognition of RSS's work for equality, and Prakash Javadekar contrasting it with Congress's family-centric decisions.

Party president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing the Foundation Day event, indirectly emphasised Congress's commitment to the Constitution and secularism without naming Singh.

The episode underscores ongoing debates over organisational reforms within Congress, amid recent electoral challenges.