Introduction In a troubling development that underscores the shrinking space for free speech in India, Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson, Tushar Gandhi, has been attacked for expressing his views. The incident highlights the growing intolerance toward criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). This event has sparked widespread debate about democracy, dissent, and the safety of those who challenge the status quo.
The Attack on Tushar Gandhi Tushar Gandhi, a well-known activist and author, was recently targeted after he made critical remarks about the RSS during a public event in Kerala. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony of a statue of social leader Gopinath Nair, he called the RSS a “poison spreading through the foundations of India.” He warned that if this ideology was not countered, it could lead to the fragmentation of the nation.
Shortly after his speech, a group of RSS and BJP workers reportedly stopped his car and attempted to assault him. Fortunately, his security personnel intervened and prevented any serious harm. Following the attack, Tushar Gandhi reaffirmed his stance, declaring that he would continue speaking against “the traitors of the nation” and warning that if RSS’s influence remained unchecked, they might even destroy Mahatma Gandhi’s statues in the future.
A History of Intolerance Towards Dissent The attack on Tushar Gandhi is not an isolated incident. Over the past decade, India has witnessed an alarming rise in violence against activists, journalists, and opposition voices who speak out against the government. Individuals who criticize the BJP and RSS often face online harassment, legal threats, and, in extreme cases, physical violence.
Several prominent figures have been targeted for their dissenting views:
- Gauri Lankesh, a senior journalist and vocal critic of Hindu extremist groups, was shot dead outside her home in 2017.
- Professor Kafeel Khan, who criticized the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, was jailed under draconian laws.
- Umar Khalid, a student leader, has been imprisoned for his activism against discriminatory laws.
These incidents paint a grim picture of declining democratic values and an increasing intolerance for political opposition.
The Ideological Battle: Mahatma Gandhi vs. RSS Mahatma Gandhi, known as “Bapu” in India, played a crucial role in the country’s independence movement, advocating non-violence, religious harmony, and inclusivity. In stark contrast, the RSS, founded in 1925, has long been associated with a Hindu nationalist ideology that promotes an exclusionary vision of India.
The ideological conflict between Gandhi’s principles and the RSS is not new. Nathuram Godse, a former RSS member, assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, blaming him for what he perceived as excessive appeasement of Muslims during Partition. Since then, the RSS has attempted to rewrite history, downplaying its role in Gandhi’s assassination while simultaneously attempting to co-opt his legacy for political gain.
Tushar Gandhi’s recent remarks align with the broader critique of the RSS’s growing influence in Indian politics. His statement that the fight against RSS is now “more important than the freedom movement of India” reflects the concern that the organization’s ideology threatens the pluralistic fabric of the nation.
The Shrinking Space for Free Speech in India India, the world’s largest democracy, has traditionally been a country where diverse political opinions and ideologies coexist. However, under the current government, freedom of speech has come under severe threat. According to global press freedom rankings, India has witnessed a significant decline in media freedom, with journalists and activists being routinely intimidated.
The use of sedition laws, anti-terrorism acts, and defamation cases has become a tool for silencing critics. Laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) have been used against dissenters, effectively criminalizing political opposition.
Public Outrage and International Response The attack on Tushar Gandhi has triggered widespread condemnation from civil rights activists, opposition leaders, and international observers. Many see this as a dangerous precedent where even the descendants of India’s most revered leader are not safe from political persecution.
Prominent opposition leaders have called for accountability and urged the government to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their political views. International human rights organizations have also expressed concern over the deteriorating state of democracy in India.
Conclusion: A Call for Resistance and Unity The attack on Tushar Gandhi is a stark reminder of the growing authoritarian tendencies within India. As space for dissent shrinks and ideological conflicts intensify, it becomes imperative for citizens to uphold democratic values and resist efforts to silence critical voices.
Tushar Gandhi’s unwavering commitment to speaking against the RSS, despite threats to his safety, symbolizes the enduring spirit of Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy. In these challenging times, it is crucial for those who believe in democracy, pluralism, and justice to stand together against forces that seek to undermine India’s foundational principles.
