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The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has launched a scathing critique of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of deliberately disparaging B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan asserts that Shah's comments are a clear reflection of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's (RSS) inherent disdain for India's secular founding principles. This statement, delivered following a CPI(M) State secretariat meeting, frames the BJP, considered an offshoot of the RSS, as ideologically rooted in the Manusmriti, an ancient text that Govindan argues established the philosophical and political justification for India's deeply entrenched social inequalities and caste-based oppression. The Manusmriti's categorization of citizens based on caste, facilitating the exploitation of the masses by a privileged elite, forms the crux of the CPI(M)'s argument. This historical context is crucial to understanding the party's condemnation of Shah's actions.
Govindan further connects this ideology to M.S. Golwalkar, a prominent RSS ideologue, highlighting his integration of the Manusmriti's core principles into his work, Vichara Dhara. The argument hinges on the Manusmriti's hierarchical structure, which positioned Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras according to a rigid system, effectively defining an oppressive caste hierarchy. The CPI(M) argues that this hierarchy, endorsed by Golwalkar, went further to label lower castes as Chandalas, effectively deeming them sub-human. This historical framing serves to position the RSS and its political progeny as fundamentally opposed to the Indian independence movement and the Constitution, which directly challenged the existing caste system. The CPI(M) alleges that the BJP's previous aspiration to secure 430 Lok Sabha seats was driven by a desire to rewrite the Constitution, aligning it with Golwalkar's vision, contrasting sharply with Ambedkar's famous act of burning a copy of the Manusmriti.
Govindan extends his critique by pointing to Golwalkar's identification of Muslims, Christians, and Communists as principal enemies of India, labeling them as 'fifth-columnists.' This statement underscores the CPI(M)'s perception of a fundamental ideological clash between the RSS and the party's own principles. The CPI(M) also alleges a thin line between the Congress and the Sangh Parivar in Kerala, citing Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan's alleged homage to Golwalkar at an RSS function as evidence. This assertion attempts to broaden the criticism beyond a direct confrontation with the BJP, implicating other political actors perceived as sympathetic to the RSS ideology. This strategic move aims to build a broader coalition against the perceived threat of resurgent Hindu nationalism.
Beyond the political accusations, Govindan also addresses the High Court's expressed skepticism regarding the Enforcement Directorate's investigation into the CPI(M)-controlled Karuvannoor Cooperative Bank. He characterizes the probe as politically motivated propaganda lacking legal or factual basis, attempting to deflect accusations and portray the investigation as an act of partisan targeting. This aspect of the statement serves to shift the narrative and paint the CPI(M) as a victim of politically motivated persecution. The CPI(M)'s assertion that it will mobilize public opinion against Shah's continued tenure is a direct call to action, highlighting the party's intention to escalate its campaign against the Union Home Minister and his perceived alignment with the RSS ideology. The strategic use of historical context, ideological comparisons, and accusations of political persecution form a multifaceted approach to discrediting Shah and bolstering the CPI(M)'s political position.
In conclusion, the CPI(M)'s statement represents a significant escalation in the ongoing political battle between the party and the BJP-RSS alliance. The detailed historical analysis and specific accusations aimed at key figures demonstrate a deliberate strategy to frame the political conflict within a larger ideological struggle for the soul of India. By linking Shah's alleged disparaging remarks to the broader historical context of caste oppression and the RSS's alleged attempts to undermine the Constitution, the CPI(M) seeks to galvanize support and solidify its position as a vocal opponent of what it sees as a dangerous resurgence of Hindu nationalism.
Source: Shah’s disparaging views on Ambedkar reflective of BJP/RSS casteist ideology: CPI(M)