Tushar Gandhi’s ‘RSS is Poison’ Remark Sparks Kerala Protests
Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, recently ignited a political firestorm by characterizing the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a “cancer to the soul of the nation.” This remark has led to significant backlash from RSS and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters, culminating in protests during his visit to Kerala.
The controversy began on Wednesday during the unveiling of a statue honoring the late Gandhian leader P. Gopinathan Nair in Neyyattinkara, Thiruvananthapuram. In his address, Tushar Gandhi expressed deep concern over the influence of the RSS and BJP in Kerala, referring to them as “dangerous and insidious enemies” infiltrating the state.
He stated, “We will be, it is poison. It is meant to destroy the soul of the country. The soul of the nation is afflicted with it, and the Sangh Parivar is spreading it. We should be fearful of that because if the is lost, everything is lost.”
These strong words did not sit well with local BJP and RSS workers. Following the event, a group of activists blocked Tushar Gandhi’s car and shouted slogans demanding a retraction of his statements. The protesters highlighted that the municipal ward where the event took place is represented by the BJP and insisted that Gandhi withdraw his remarks against the RSS.
Despite the confrontation, Tushar Gandhi remained steadfast in his views. He departed the venue after chanting “Gandhiji ki Jai,” signaling his unwavering stance. He later clarified that he would not pursue legal action against the protesters, emphasizing his commitment to freedom of expression. He remarked, “There was no physical assault. They stopped only my vehicle, and I will take any action.”
The incident drew sharp reactions from Kerala’s political leadership. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the actions of the RSS and BJP activists, stating that such behavior is an attack on secularism and democracy.
He warned against attempts to block the visits of national and international figures to Kerala, asserting that the mindset behind the protest mirrors that of those who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.
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Opposition leader V.D. Satheesan echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the protest as an affront to Kerala’s secular values. He emphasized the state’s tradition of respecting diverse viewpoints and condemned any efforts to silence dissenting voices.
In response to the incident, Kerala police took swift action by arresting five BJP-RSS workers, including a municipal councillor, for their involvement in the protest against Tushar Gandhi. The individuals who were arrested were subsequently released on bail.
Undeterred by the backlash, Tushar Gandhi reiterated his commitment to challenging the ideologies he believes threaten the nation’s fabric. Speaking at an event at the Union Christian College in Aluva, Ernakulam, he declared, “I have decided to continue to expose the traitors. They wanted me to apologize for what I said. They wanted me to retract my statement.
I told them that I don’t do that. When I say these things, I don’t want to apologize or retract my statements. I can state that this incident has only strengthened my resolve to continue exposing the traitors. This fight is more crucial the struggle for freedom. We now have a common enemy that must be exposed.”
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He also expressed surprise at the aggressive response from the protesters, noting that such actions are uncharacteristic of Kerala’s political culture, where the rights of individuals are typically respected.
He remarked, “We have coexisted with the Opposition without ever attempting to silence each other. We must safeguard the soul of Kerala and the spirit of the Malayalis. It is imperative that such toxic individuals be expelled from Kerala.”
This incident has sparked a broader debate about the role of the RSS and BJP in Kerala’s political landscape. The state’s leadership has vowed to uphold its secular and democratic principles, ensuring that diverse opinions are respected and protected. The swift arrests of the protesters underscore the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order while safeguarding freedom of expression.
As the nation reflects on this episode, it serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of open dialogue and mutual respect in a democratic society. The legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, rooted in non-violence and tolerance, continues to be a guiding light in navigating contemporary challenges.
In conclusion, Tushar Gandhi’s recent remarks and the subsequent reactions have highlighted deep-seated tensions within India’s political discourse. The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance in protecting democratic values and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives can coexist peacefully.
Sources: TELEGRAPH INDIA, ASIAN AGE, THE PRINT, INDIAN EXPRESS, ABP LIVE, MATHRUBHUMI ENGLISH,
