Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin strongly denounced the release of a special postage stamp and commemorative coin celebrating the centenary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), labeling it a deplorable act that glorifies an organization linked to the communal ideologies responsible for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Speaking at an event honoring Gandhi on his birth anniversary, Stalin emphasized the need to protect India’s secular fabric and rescue the nation from what he described as a "pitiful state" of divisive politics.

During the ceremony, where Stalin paid floral tributes to a portrait of Gandhi, he underscored the enduring relevance of the Mahatma’s philosophy of unity and non-violence. “India is a secular nation, built on the foundational principles laid down by Gandhi. His teachings remain a guiding force to counter hatred and divisive forces that threaten our unity,” Stalin stated in a passionate post on the social media platform X.

Stalin’s criticism was directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who unveiled the Rs 100 commemorative coin on the eve of Gandhi’s birth anniversary. The coin features an image of Bharata Mata in Varada mudra, accompanied by a lion on the obverse, with RSS members depicted venerating her. The reverse showcases the national emblem. Stalin argued that honoring an organization tied to the communal ideologies that fueled Gandhi’s assassin undermines the values the Mahatma championed.

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“On Gandhiji’s jayanthi, we must pledge to rescue India from the grip of forces that celebrate division over unity. The release of this coin is a betrayal of Gandhi’s legacy,” Stalin declared, urging citizens to recommit to the principles of secularism and harmony.

The Chief Minister’s remarks have ignited a heated debate, with supporters praising his stance on protecting Gandhi’s ideals, while critics argue the coin is a legitimate tribute to the RSS’s contributions. As the controversy unfolds, Stalin’s call to action resonates as a reminder of the ongoing struggle to uphold India’s secular identity in the face of polarizing ideologies.

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