Centre must not use public’s money to celebrate RSS centenary: CPI(M)

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) Kerala Secretary M V Govindan on Friday criticised the central government for using public funds for celebrating the centenary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which promotes the concept of ‘Hindu Rashtra' in the country, PTI reported.

Addressing a press meet here, Govindan said all the secular forces in the country firmly believe that the RSS is trying to divide the country in the name of religion.

“It is absolutely wrong on the part of the Union government to issue a 100-rupee coin and a postal stamp to promote the ideals of a communal organisation like RSS,” he said.

The RSS had not contributed anything to the nation during the freedom struggle, and its leaders were among those accused in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, Govindan said.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat eulogising Gandhiji at this point in time is an ironic twist to history, he said. All secular forces in the country should oppose all kinds of attempts to spread the concept of a theological state, he said.

A day ago, Congress leader Pawan Khera mocked the Centre that it must have issued a Rs 60 coin, which was what VD Savarkar received as pension from the British regime. The stamp that should be issued is one for the British Post, through which Savarkar used to send mercy petitions.

Khera wrote on X, "If they had to issue a coin for RSS, they should have made it for Rs 60, which is how much pension Savarkar used to get from the British government. If they had to issue a postage stamp, they should have done one for the British Post, through which they used to send mercy petitions.”