Kollam: In a departure from the traditional stance of right-wing leaders, Goa Governor and former BJP president of Kerala, PS Sreedharan Pillai, called Nathuram Godse, who was hanged for killing Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, a "curse of this land."
He made this remarkable statement during the launch event of a book titled ‘Gandhi Vs Godse’ on Sunday at an event that took place in the Kollam district of Kerala.
This stark contrast to the historical narrative surrounding Godse is a rare instance of criticism from a prominent figure associated with the Right Wing. The BJP, of which Pillai is a member, has seen several leaders, including Union ministers, previously hail Godse as a 'good son' of India and a 'patriot.'
BJP leader Pragya Thakur, a Member of Parliament from Madhya Pradesh, had controversially labelled Godse as a patriot in 2019.
Sreedharan Pillai, a prolific author with over 120 books to his name, served as the president of the BJP in Kerala on two occasions, first from 2003-2006 and later during the tumultuous period of 2018-2019, marked by protests over the Sabarimala temple entry issue.
His tenure as BJP president was marred by controversies, including making contentious remarks about court verdicts and statements about Muslims.
During his speech at the book launch, Pillai primarily focused on Gandhian thoughts and their significance in leading a principled way of life. However, he did touch upon Godse towards the end of his address, describing him as a curse to the land.
It is worth noting that Pillai also mentioned the Kapur Commission report of 1977, which had absolved the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the parent body of the BJP, of any involvement in Gandhi's assassination. This report, he pointed out, was tabled in Parliament during Prime Minister Morarji Desai's term.