Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 2 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today slammed the union Government’s decision to commemorate the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary with a Rs 100 coin and a postage stamp, terming it a “grave insult” to India’s Constitution and freedom struggle.
The Chief Minister asserted the national honour would “legitimise an organisation that had no role in the freedom movement and instead promoted a divisive ideology that suited the colonial strategy.”
Vijayan said the move was not merely about releasing a coin or a stamp, but about “rewriting history and dishonouring the memory of our true freedom fighters.” He stressed that such actions undermine the values enshrined in the Constitution.
He alleged the decision amounted to an assault on the nation’s collective memory, highlighting that organisations like the RSS had chosen to abstain from the Independence struggle. He added that conferring a national honour on them was a betrayal of the sacrifices of countless patriots.
Vijayan’s comments come amid growing political criticism that the Centre is attempting to elevate the RSS into mainstream national symbolism, despite its controversial historical role.
Political observers noted that the Chief Minister’s strong words were a broader warning against attempts to reshape India’s freedom narrative by sidelining movements rooted in pluralism and inclusivity.
