Tushar Gandhi Detained by RSS-BJP Activists; Protests Across Kerala
Gandhi Called the RSS a ‘Cancer on the Nation’s Soul’
March 15, 2025
Photo by Biswarup Ganguly, via Wikimedia Commons
Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was allegedly detained by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) activists in Kerala following his critical remarks about the RSS.
The incident, which occurred near Neyyattinkara, on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram, on the evening of March 12, sparked widespread condemnation and bipartisan protests from both Kerala’s ruling and opposition fronts, as reported by The Hindu.
Gandhi had been in Kerala to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s meeting with Sree Narayana Guru at the Sivagiri Madhom, a spiritual centre and pilgrimage site, and to unveil the statue of late Gandhian P. Gopinathan Nair.
Sree Narayana Guru was a renowned Indian social reformer, spiritual leader and philosopher from Kerala, who fought against caste discrimination and promoted equality, education and social harmony. Gopinathan Nair was a freedom fighter and social reformer, known for his commitment to nonviolence, rural development and Gandhian principles.
During his visit, Tushar Gandhi referred to the RSS as a “cancer on the nation’s soul,” which appeared to provoke the activists.
After the statue unveiling, RSS workers surrounded Gandhi’s vehicle, demanding he retract his comments. Unyielding, Gandhi confronted the protesters, chanting “RSS murdabad” and “Gandhiji zindabad” in defiance.
Notably, there was no police presence at the scene, and Gandhi departed after reaffirming his stance.
Local police later claimed to have received no reports of the incident.
Tushar Gandhi is an author, activist and public intellectual known for his work in promoting peace, nonviolence and social justice, continuing the legacy of his great-grandfather. He is the founder of the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation, through which he advocates for Gandhian principles in contemporary society.
Gandhi has been actively involved in campaigns against communal violence, caste discrimination and other social inequalities. He has also written extensively, with his notable works including “Let’s Kill Gandhi,” which examines the conspiracy and aftermath of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Tushar often speaks out against right-wing ideologies and works to uphold secularism and democracy.
Political leaders across Kerala, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan, and Communist Party of India (CPI) State Secretary Binoy Viswam, were quick to criticise the RSS’s alleged detention of Gandhi.
Unshaken by the protests, Gandhi reiterated his criticism of the RSS during a centenary celebration of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to the Union Christian College in Aluva on March 14, according to The Indian Express.
“This incident has strengthened my resolve to continue to expose the traitors,” Gandhi was quoted as saying. “Because this is a fight which is more essential than the freedom struggle. Now, we have a common enemy. They must be exposed”.
The incident has heightened tensions in Kerala, with calls from various political factions for stronger action against the RSS-BJP activists and the preservation of democratic values.
“This is deplorable. An action that infringes upon freedom of speech cannot be allowed in a democratic society. There will be legal and democratic action against such tendencies…” Chief Minister Vijayan was quoted as saying.
