Should Raj Bhavan Be Converted to an RSS Shakha?
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Synopsis
On the eve of the Nilambur Assembly by-election, Kerala's CM Pinarayi Vijayan takes a strong stand against the RSS, stating that Raj Bhavan should remain a constitutional space—not an RSS shakha. His remarks underline the ongoing political tensions and the significance of Raj Bhavan in preserving democratic values.
Key Takeaways
- Raj Bhavan should maintain constitutional integrity.
- The CPI-M has historically distanced itself from the RSS.
- Vijayan condemned the Governor's actions regarding the Bharat Mata image.
- Political tensions in Kerala are heightened ahead of the by-election.
- Minority community concerns regarding the RSS are significant.
Thiruvananthapuram, June 18 (NationPress) On the eve of the pivotal Nilambur Assembly by-election, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the RSS, asserting that the Raj Bhavan -- the official residence of the Governor -- should not be transformed into an RSS shakha.
During a media briefing here, Vijayan emphasized that unlike the Congress party, the CPI-M has never collaborated with the RSS. He condemned the actions of Kerala Governor Rajendra V. Arlekar, who displayed an image of Bharat Mata, leading to the boycott of a state-level inauguration by State Agriculture Minister P. Prasad on World Environment Day.
“Raj Bhavan is a significant location in the nation, and it must adhere to Constitutionally accepted principles. It should not be transformed into an RSS shakha, as doing so would be unconstitutional,” stated the Chief Minister.
“The representation of Bharata Mata in Raj Bhavan was not the widely accepted version; instead, it featured a saffron flag, a symbol associated with the RSS, making it unacceptable as our Constitution does not support that,” added Vijayan.
Going further in his criticism, he remarked that the RSS should respect their symbols without imposing them on others, insisting that Raj Bhavan should not serve as a platform for promoting RSS ideologies.
“The RSS was established in 1925, during a time when the freedom movement was gaining momentum. The RSS opposed the freedom struggle, and after Independence, it openly disagreed with the Constitution,” noted Vijayan.
“The CPI-M has consistently maintained distance from the RSS, opposing all forms of communalism. It is notable that in an editorial of the Organiser (an RSS publication) dated July 17, 1947, they called for a saffron Indian flag, which aligns with the Bharat Mata image in Raj Bhavan,” he added.
“It is well-known that the RSS has long been against minority communities, specifically targeting Muslims, Christians, and Communists. We have lost 215 of our members due to violence from the RSS in Kerala. We have never collaborated with the RSS,” he concluded.
Chief Minister Vijayan’s strong denunciation of the RSS comes just a day before voting begins in Nilambur, a region with a significant 43 percent Muslim population and approximately 12 percent Christians.
Point of View
Where the struggle between secular governance and religious nationalism continues to shape the discourse. As the nation heads toward significant elections, the emphasis on constitutional values remains crucial in maintaining the integrity of public institutions.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was CM Pinarayi Vijayan's stance on Raj Bhavan?
CM Pinarayi Vijayan strongly opposed the idea of converting Raj Bhavan into an RSS shakha, emphasizing that it should adhere to constitutional norms.
Why did Vijayan criticize the Kerala Governor?
Vijayan criticized the Governor for displaying an image of Bharat Mata that he argued was not aligned with constitutional values.
What historical context did Vijayan provide regarding the RSS?
He noted that the RSS was formed in 1925 and opposed the freedom movement and subsequently disagreed with the Constitution after Independence.
