CM Pinarayi Vijayan Urges Upholding Gandhi’s Ideals, Condemns RSS Centenary Recognition on Gandhi Jayanti

Thiruvananthapuram: On Gandhi Jayanti, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan commemorated Mahatma Gandhi as a leader who transformed his life into a universal message, remaining steadfast in his defence of democracy and secularism. In a Facebook post, Vijayan observed that Gandhi’s principles acted as a barrier against divisive politics and communal ideologies in India, which provoked extremist forces and ultimately led to his assassination by a Hindu radical.

The Chief Minister stressed that Gandhi gave his life for the idea of India and that his memory continues to inspire resistance against those who seek to fragment society. He contrasted Gandhi’s humanitarian and secular politics with the reactionary ideology of the RSS, which, he said, fears pluralism and cohabitation within society.

Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the central government’s release of a postage stamp and coin to mark the centenary of the RSS, describing the move as a decision that undermines the Constitution. He highlighted that choosing Gandhi Jayanti, the very day set aside to honour the Father of the Nation, for this recognition illustrates the Sangh Parivar’s apprehension even of Gandhi’s memory.

The Chief Minister also cautioned that attempts to glorify figures such as Vinayak Savarkar, who faced trial in Gandhi’s assassination case, as icons of the freedom struggle must be confronted openly by a secular society. He emphasised that such efforts seek to overshadow Gandhi’s enduring contribution to India’s democratic and pluralistic ethos.

Pinarayi Vijayan extended his greetings for Gandhi Jayanti, reaffirming the continuing significance of Gandhi’s ideals in uniting society and resisting forces that encourage division.