Baby calls for detoxification of society from fascist ideals propagated by RSS
Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] general secretary M.A. Baby has observed that while politically defeating the fascist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-controlled Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is important, even more important is defeating their fake cultural nationalism project through which they are invading people's minds.
He was speaking after releasing the Malayalam translation of the book, Being Muslim in Hindu India written by Ziya Us Salam, Associate Editor of The Hindu, here on Saturday (June 14, 2025).
'What is needed parallel to a political fight is a cultural fight by democratic and secular forces to detoxify people's minds of fascist ideals. Otherwise, even if the BJP is electorally defeated in the future, the RSS will continue to work in Indian society,' Mr. Baby said.
'The electoral setback suffered by the BJP in last year's general elections is a lesson that attempts by the Modi-led neo-fascist, majoritarian forces to set up a Hindu State with the backing of the corporate and the neo-rich can be effectively resisted by democratic and secular forces, if they so desire. However, whether the political parties, which are supposed to learn lessons from that, are acting accordingly remains a question,' he said.
Mr. Baby said that Modi, whose party lost its majority in the last general elections and now relies on two crutches — the Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party — is trying to win back popular support by politically exploiting the post-Pahalgam scenario, just as he did before the 2019 general elections.
He bemoaned the 'othering' based on religion and caste in the country, citing the denial of passage to Mr. Salam over a mere misspelling in his air ticket as an example. Mr. Salam was unable to attend the function.
Senior journalist Siddharth Varadarajan and poet P.N. Gopikrishnan spoke at the seminar on 'In Defence of Secularism.'
Trade union activist C.B. Venugopal translated the book, which was published by Samooh Books. Greater Cochin Development Authority Chairman K. Chandran Pillai presided. Critic M.K. Sanoo was present. Samooh president Joby John welcomed the gathering, and R. Minipriya, vice-president, delivered vote of thanks.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
PM Modi on key 3-nation tour: Cyprus, Canada, Croatia on itinerary; what's on his agenda?
PM Modi Emplanes for Nicosia, Cyprus NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday embarked on a significant three-nation tour, with scheduled visits to the Republic of Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. This diplomatic journey aims to bolster India's international relations and explore new avenues for cooperation across various sectors. — narendramodi (@narendramodi) The first stop on PM Modi's itinerary is the Republic of Cyprus, where he will engage in discussions with President Nikos Christodoulides. The visit comes on the backdrop of longstanding friendship between India and Cyprus, with a focus on enhancing collaboration in trade, investment, security, and technology. "The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges," said the PM in his departure statement. The leaders are also expected to discuss ways to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, further solidifying ties between the two nations. "The Summit will provide space for exchange of views on pressing global issues and the priorities of the Global South," PM added in his statement. Following his visit to Cyprus, PM Modi will travel to Kananaskis, Canada, to participate in the G7 Summit . Invited by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Prime Minister will join global leaders in addressing pressing international issues, with a particular emphasis on the priorities of the Global South. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doctor: This 10-Second Morning Ritual Helps Drain Swollen Legs (See How) goldentree Learn More Undo "Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest," also said the Prime Minister. The final leg of the tour will take PM Modi to Croatia, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country. Meetings with President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic are anticipated to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The visit aims to build on the historical cultural links between India and Croatia, opening new pathways for collaboration. Throughout the tour, PM Modi intends to express gratitude to partner countries for their support in India's fight against cross-border terrorism. The trip also seeks to foster a global understanding of the need to address terrorism in all its forms. The three-nation tour marks the first foreign visit for PM Modi since Operation Sindoor , launched to target terror infrastructures in Pakistan in early May.
Hindustan Times
18 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana West bypoll: Haryana CM rakes up water sharing dispute, AAP hits back
Ludhiana Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, during his campaign in Ludhiana West, accusing it of betraying the teachings of the Sikh gurus by blocking drinking water to Haryana. Saini, who was here to campaign for party candidate Jiwan Gupta, said AAP is playing politics over the issues of water and farmers, instead of solving them. 'The AAP government refused to release Haryana's rightful share of drinking water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Punjab is the land of the great Gurus who always taught that no one should be denied water. But today, this government is denying us drinking water. Haryana and Punjab are like brothers, why play politics in the name of water?' he questioned, terming AAP's opposition to sharing water as a betrayal of Punjab's spiritual values. Saini also claimed that the people of Punjab opposed AAP for stopping water to Haryana. The CM also accused AAP of misleading the public on farmers' issues. 'While the Haryana BJP government has provided minimum support price (MSP) for all crops and continues to support farmers with subsidies, the AAP government has used force and lathi charge against farmers. AAP only uses the name of farmers to gain sympathy but does nothing substantial for their welfare,' he said. The controversy erupted on April 28 when the Haryana government's demand for additional water from the Bhakra Dam was approved by the BBMB despite opposition from Punjab. The Punjab government refused to accept the decision and deployed police at Nangal dam, 13km downstream from Bhakra, to stop the additional water release. Later the matter reached the high court which disposed of the matter on May 26, while the fresh water sharing cycle started on May 21. Saini also hit out at AAP's anti-drug campaign, calling them a 'drama' meant to divert attention from the government's failures. 'These actions are more about grabbing headlines than actual results,' Saini said. Slamming both AAP and Congress, Saini said the people of Punjab were first let down by Congress and now by AAP. 'For five years, Congress fooled the people, and now, for the past three and a half years, AAP has done the same,' he said. The Haryana CM then drew comparisons between Punjab and Haryana in terms of central government scheme implementation. He said that under BJP rule, Haryana has successfully implemented schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, PM Krishi Yojana, and Ujjwala Yojana. 'In contrast, these benefits are yet to reach the people of Punjab,' he added, urging the voters of Ludhiana West to give the BJP a chance. He said BJP's candidate Jiwan Gupta would win the bypoll as 'people are angry with both AAP and Congress and want change. They want good governance, and that is what BJP stands for.' No extra water to give: Bains Cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains slammed the Haryana CM's remarks and said he pressured the BBMB to divert Punjab waters. 'It was a conspiracy to deprive Punjab of its rightful water share. Saini had pressured the BBMB to unfairly divert Punjab's water, and AAP exposed this,' Bains alleged. He further clarified that under previous governments, Punjab lacked proper canal irrigation coverage. 'However, under CM Bhagwant Mann, canal water has reached over 65% of Punjab's agricultural land and thus we have no extra water to give to other states,' Bains added. Embed Saini faces protest Ludhiana CM Nayab Singh Saini, who arrived in the city to campaign for the BJP candidate Jiwan Gupta, was met with a group of protesters who accused him of attempting to deprive Punjab of its rightful share of river water. The protesters raised slogans near Sherpur Chowk and alleged that Haryana was trying to usurp water allocated to Punjab, affecting the state's agriculture and groundwater levels. Saini, while mentioning the protests, claimed it to be stage managed by Congress and AAP. 'Congress and AAP jointly staged several protests against me in Haryana too and it is nothing more than a political gimmick. The people of Haryana have rejected Congress and AAP for their cheap political tactics,' Saini said.
India Today
21 minutes ago
- India Today
PM Modi leaves for Cyprus, to attend G7 Summit in Canada on Tuesday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday embarked on a five-day tour to Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, his first foreign visit after India launched Operation Sindoor to target terror infrastructures operational in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK)."This three-nation tour is also an opportunity to thank partner countries for their steadfast support to India in our fight against cross-border terrorism, and to galvanise global understanding on tackling terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," PM Modi said in an official statement. advertisementHis five-day overseas visit will kick off with a stop in Cyprus from June 15 to 16. He will then head to Kananaskis in Canada for the G7 Summit on June 16 and 17. The final leg of the tour will take him to Croatia on June 18, with his return scheduled for June 19. In Cyprus, PM Modi will meet President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss expansion of ties between the two countries in areas such as trade, investment, security and technology."On June 15-16, I will visit the Republic of Cyprus at the invitation of President H.E Nikos Christodoulides. Cyprus is a close friend and an important partner in the Mediterranean region and the EU. The visit provides an opportunity to build upon the historical bonds and expand our ties in the areas of trade, investment, security, technology and promote people-to-people exchanges," the Prime Minister will be the first visit to Cyprus by an Indian Prime Minister in over two the second leg of his ongoing tour, PM Modi will travel to Canada to attend the G7 Summit at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi is expected to articulate India's position on key global challenges, including energy security, technology cooperation, and visit is significant as it marks PM Modi's first trip to Canada since diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Ottawa soured over the Khalistani issue. The Prime Minister's participation also countered earlier speculation that he might skip the summit, which would have been a first in six ties plunged into a diplomatic chill after then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in September 2023 that Indian agents may have been linked to the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. New Delhi, however, dismissed the claim as 'absurd'.After attending the G7 Summit, PM Modi will head to the Republic of Croatia and meet President Zoran Milanovic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic. This will be the first time that an Indian Prime Minister will visit Croatia."Both our countries enjoy centuries-old close cultural links. As the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, it will open new avenues for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest," PM Modi said in his Watch
