Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday expressed strong disapproval of the release of a postage stamp and a ₹100 coin to mark the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary, calling it a “grave insult” to the Constitution.
The CM took to social media platform X to voice his concerns, stating that commemorating the RSS in this manner legitimises an organisation that did not participate in India’s freedom struggle and promoted an ideology he described as divisive and aligned with colonial strategies.
CM’s criticism
Vijayan emphasised that national recognition of the RSS undermines the memory of India’s true freedom fighters, who fought for a secular and unified nation.
“Commemorating the RSS centenary with a postage stamp and a 100 rupee coin is a grave insult to our Constitution. This national honour is a direct assault on the memory of our true freedom fighters and the secular, unified India they envisioned,” the CM wrote.
The remarks come amid growing debate over the RSS’s historical role and its alignment with nationalist politics post-independence. While the organisation has a significant social and political footprint in India today, its activities during the freedom struggle have often been questioned by critics, including Vijayan.
Background of the commemoration
The RSS, founded in 1925, celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. To mark the milestone, the government issued a special postage stamp and a ₹100 commemorative coin, recognising the organisation’s contribution to social and cultural initiatives.
However, critics argue that national commemoration of a political-cultural organisation risks endorsing a partisan ideology, particularly one that did not have a direct role in India’s independence movement.
Political reactions and debate
Vijayan’s comments are expected to fuel debates between state and central political spheres, with opposition leaders defending the decision as recognition of RSS’s post-independence social work, while left and secular parties see it as politically and ideologically contentious.
The Chief Minister’s statement has already generated significant discussion on social media, with supporters praising his firm stance on secularism, while critics argue that the RSS’s contributions to society warrant national recognition.
Conclusion
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s strong condemnation highlights the sensitivity around national symbols and honours, particularly in the context of historical interpretation and ideological leanings. As India commemorates organisations with long-standing cultural and social influence, debates over the appropriateness of such recognition are likely to continue, reflecting the complex interplay between history, politics, and public sentiment.