CPI doesn't need to learn patriotism from RSS: D Raja
A controversy erupted after a Bharat Mata portrait, allegedly associated with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shakhas, was used at a World Environment Day event at the Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, which led Kerala minister P Prasad, a Communist Party of India (CPI) leader, to boycott the programme.
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The Hindu
41 minutes ago
- The Hindu
A needless controversy over ‘Bharat Mata'
Recently, an unexpected and unwarranted controversy erupted in Kerala in connection with World Environment Day, which is observed annually on June 5. Unfortunately, it was triggered by Raj Bhavan. In Kerala, World Environment Day is widely observed every year. There is massive participation from the people, who plant thousands of saplings across the State. The day has become an occasion for the people to enrich their understanding of the environment and commitment to the cause of it. The proposal This year, the Department of Agriculture decided to conduct the inaugural function of World Environment Day at the premises of Raj Bhavan. The Governor, Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar, graciously agreed to inaugurate the event. On the eve of the function, while communicating the details of the programme to the Agriculture Minister's office, Raj Bhavan proposed that a new practice be followed and floral tributes be paid to a painting. On receiving this proposal, the Minister's office requested for more clarification. The Governor's office responded by sending a photograph of the painting, claiming it was the image of 'Bharat Mata'. Surprisingly, the image was the same one used by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during its functions. Raj Bhavan's version depicted Bharat Mata sitting on a lion and holding a saffron flag, which resembled the flag of the RSS. In the backdrop of the painting was a map — and it was certainly not the map of the Indian Republic. After some consultations, the Minister informed the Governor's office that it is improper to use and glorify such an image at an official function organised by the government. But due to reasons known only to him, the Governor insisted that the function would not be conducted without that image and with his participation. The government was forced to change the venue to the premises of the Secretariat. Every dignitory participated except the Governor. Reportedly, during the function conducted in Raj Bhavan, the Governor glorified the saffron flag-holding Bharat Mata. He argued that it is the symbol of India. He also criticised the Kerala government and all those who were not ready to uphold his concept of Bharat Mata. Under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre, controversies between the Governors and State governments have taken place not just in Kerala but also elsewhere. The Supreme Court has intervened in some of these instances. Now, thanks to Governor Arlekar, even Bharat Mata has taken centre stage in these controversies. A dynamic concept Bharat Mata is a concept with deep roots in the collective consciousness of the people of India. During the anti-colonial struggle, it was used by various groups with different sociopolitical orientations to inspire and unify all sections of society in the struggle for Independence. Nobody can argue that any particular version is the 'real' expression and face of Bharat Mata. This is a broad concept. Bharat Mata has been interpreted by many according to their own concepts of nation, nationality, and world view. Over the course of time, the RSS, for its own purposes, may have come up with its own idea of Bharat Mata. Governor Arlekar as an individual has the right to believe that the Bharat Mata of the RSS is the only true portrait of the concept. Those with a particular ideological persuasion have the right to think that Bharat Mata should be holding a saffron flag. They would also appreciate finding her seated on a lion. For them, it is also befitting to have a specially drawn map in the backdrop of the painting of their Bharat Mata. As per its ideological and organisational framework, the RSS has come up with a particular image of Bharat Mata that suits its dream of a 'Akhand Bharat' and its militant aggressive nationalism. In RSS shakhas, this version of Bharat Mata may be eulogised. But conceptions of Bharat Mata are abstract and varied. It is futile to impose any one version as the only acceptable and authentic version. The matter becomes even more complicated when the RSS tries to foist its ideological and political preoccupations upon official functions. Governor Arlekar, who has great experience in public life, is expected to know this basic principle. Those who hold constitutional positions cannot show their political leanings. The dividing line between their political commitment and official responsibility should be deeply inscribed in their minds. What Nehru said The Governor, and the people who follow his ideological track, may not be happy with former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for various reasons. But Nehru must be remembered on this occasion. He wrote, 'Sometimes as I reached a gathering, a great roar of welcome would greet me: Bharat Mata ki Jai — Victory to Mother India. I would ask them unexpectedly what they meant by that cry, who was this Bharat Mata... India was all this that they had thought, but it was much more. The mountains and the rivers of India, and the forests and the broad fields... were all dear to us, but what counted ultimately were the people of India, people like them and me, who were spread out all over this vast land. Bharat Mata, Mother India, was essentially these people. You are parts of this Bharat Mata, I told them, you are in a manner yourselves Bharat Mata, and as this idea slowly soaked into their brains, their eyes would light up as if they had made a great discovery.' Binoy Viswam, Secretary, Communist Party of India National Council, and former Rajya Sabha MP
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Naxalism nears collapse as only 4 Politburo, 18 Central Committee members left
India's decades-long battle against Left-Wing Extremism is entering its final stage, with security agencies confirming a near-complete dismantling of the Communist Party of India (Maoist)'s leadership. According to Bastar IG Sundarraj Pattilingam, only four Politburo members and 18 Central Committee members remain active, most of whom are either in hiding or too old to operate effectively."The Maoist movement is in its final days. Their leadership is disjointed and demoralised. Only 300 armed cadres remain in the Dandakaranya zone who must surrender or prepare for a decisive war," Sundarraj Central Committee, typically the highest decision-making body, has not convened in years due to security pressures. In its absence, the Politburo assumes charge. According to former DGP and naxal expert RK Vij, these bodies once drove strategy through a three-pronged model: the Party, the Army, and the United Front. But that structure is now on the verge of collapse. The four remaining Politburo members include Muppala Lakshmana Rao alias Ganapathi, Thippiri Tirupathi alias Devuji, Mallojula Venugopal alias Sonu, and Misir Besra alias Sunirmal. Eighteen others continue as Central Committee members, including high-profile figures like Madari Hidma, the field commander behind multiple deadly deaths of leaders such as Basavaraju, Bhaskar, and Sudhakar have further dismantled the group's core. 'The ideological vacuum is glaring. Maoist leadership has shifted from revolutionary rhetoric to criminality,' Vij said, noting that only around 20 members remain in the Dandakaranya decline is not just ideological but territorial. Areas like Abujhmaad - once Maoist strongholds - are now seeing roads, mobile towers, and security camps. Villages like Kohkameta and Puvarti are no longer data indicate a massive crackdown between 2023 and May 2025. Over 2,25,000 Maoists were arrested, 4,41,000 surrendered, and nearly 1,19,000 were neutralized. More than 6,699 security personnel were killed, and 1,12,000 injured in over 4,499 encounters. Forces seized 2,200 AK-47 rifles, over 2,21,000 country-made weapons, and dismantled nearly 5,53,000 explosives and 184 major development efforts have also transformed the region. More than 115,000 Maoist camps have been destroyed, 6,66,677 km of roads built, and 1,16,677 villages connected to the mainstream."The fight isn't over until the ideology is rejected in every corner. But this is the closest we've come to ending the insurgency," said Watch
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Red Flags Rise, Voices Roar: CPI Marks 100 Years with Powerful Call for Equality and Justice
Mahabubnagar: Red Flags Rise, Voices Roar: CPI Marks 100 Years with Powerful Call for Equality and JusticeIn a powerful show of unity and ideology, the Communist Party of India (CPI) painted Palamuru red on Wednesday, celebrating its centenary with thunderous slogans, cultural vibrancy, and a fiery reaffirmation of its relevance in modern India. Leading the charge was CPI State Secretary and Kothagudem MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, who declared that "Communism is not just an ideology of the past—it is a living force against today's exploitation." He reminded the nation that the CPI's legacy is built on sacrifices during India's freedom struggle and continues to offer a vision of a just, equal society. Thousands marched with red flags from the CPI office to Almas Function Hall via Telangana Chowrasta, Ambedkar Chowk, and Ashok Talkies, chanting slogans that echoed through the town. Folk artists from Prajanatyamandali added rhythm and power to the event with traditional drum dances, electrifying the atmosphere. Addressing the massive gathering, Sambasiva Rao said, "As long as inequality, exploitation, and oppression exist, Marxism and Leninism remain the only way forward for the poor." Taking aim at current political trends, he accused the ruling systems of fostering caste, communal, and corporate divisions. He warned that such divisive politics threaten the foundations of Indian democracy. Referring to BJP leaders Narendra Modi and Amit Shah's repeated remarks about ending communism, Rao responded sharply: "Those who want to destroy communism will turn to ashes. You cannot kill an ideology with guns or propaganda. The very fear of returning Maoist bodies shows the moral strength of our movement." He challenged other parties to compare their record of sacrifices, saying, "Where else will you find leaders who give up all personal wealth, face jail, fake cases, and still stand by the people till their last breath?" The CPI leader made a passionate appeal to the youth and students to enter politics not for power, but to serve the people and fight inequality. The event also served as a launchpad for the next phase of the centenary celebrations, with plans for a grand public meeting in Khammam on December 26, 2026. CPI State Executive Member M. Bala Narasimha demanded that governments at the Centre and state fulfill their election promises, warning that ignoring people's issues would have serious consequences. He called for preparing the party ranks for widespread agitation in the coming days. The event was attended by a wide range of CPI leaders and supporters, including district secretary B. Balakishan, state committee member H. Anandji, senior leader Ushannaiah, and many more. Their presence underscored CPI's deep roots and enduring strength among workers, peasants, and the common people. Why CPI Still Matters In an era dominated by money power and identity politics, the CPI's centenary celebrations serve as a powerful reminder of the party's continued relevance. With a legacy of struggle, sacrifice, and social commitment, CPI still stands as the voice of the working class, the poor, and the voiceless in India. As inequality widens and democratic institutions face erosion, CPI's call for people-centric politics resonates louder than ever. And in towns like Mahabubnagar, the red flag still rises with pride.
