New Delhi, Feb 20 (IANS): Reacting to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's advice on Thursday to desist from use of the word 'nationalism' since it had connotations of 'Hitler and Nazism', the Congress said that India was founded on the pillars of Gandhian nationalism.

"I believe the Sangh parivar and its head and the Prime Minister believe in Hitler-like nationalism... but India is made of Gandhian nationalism... Hitler cannot win against Gandhi," Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said.

Earlier in the day, Bhagwat had said at an RSS event in Ranchi that "do not use the word 'nationalism' and instead use 'national', 'nationality', and 'nation'.

He asserted: "The aim of Sangh is nothing more than uniting the Hindu society. It does not mean that the Sangh interferes in the federal system of the country. The Swayamsevaks are dedicated to their aim. By feeling proud of the culture of our country we have to work to take the country to new heights. We have to make India a world leader."