DYFI Slams RSS Name for Disability Centre in Palakkad

Palakkad: The Palakkad Municipality, under BJP governance, has drawn widespread criticism after it chose to name a new skill development centre for disabled individuals after RSS founder K B Hedgewar. What could have been a unifying welfare initiative aimed at supporting over 200 disabled persons has now been overshadowed by controversy, as citizens and political observers question the motivation behind the naming. The foundation stone laying ceremony witnessed protest as members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI M, objected to the move and disrupted the event. Police were called in to manage the situation, but the incident underscored a deeper concern about the politicisation of public spaces and services by the ruling party in the municipality.

At the heart of the criticism is the choice to associate a public welfare project with a figure as ideologically charged as Hedgewar. In a state known for its political plurality and social awareness, such a move has been interpreted by many as an attempt to assert ideological identity rather than uphold public interest and unity. Municipal Chairperson Pramila Sasidharan attempted to downplay the controversy by asking, “What’s in a name?” and arguing that the focus should be on the intent of the project. However, these remarks failed to address the broader issue—whether public infrastructure meant for marginalised groups should carry names that align with specific political ideologies. The lack of sensitivity in these responses has only intensified public debate.

The visuals of protest, including torn banners and disrupted ceremonies, became symbolic of a larger disconnect between the municipality and the community it is meant to serve. Critics argue that by pushing forward despite clear signs of dissent, the municipality revealed a concerning unwillingness to foster inclusive governance. The controversy could have been avoided entirely had the municipality prioritised consensus-building and respect for Kerala’s pluralistic ethos over ideological posturing.