The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has taken legal action against Kerala State Youth Congress President Rahul Mankoottathil and Tamil writer Salama, issuing them notices to retract false statements and apologise unconditionally to the organisation. The move comes in response to the recent “Anti-Fascist Samgamam” public event organised by the Youth Congress in Malappuram, where it was alleged that the RSS was involved in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
Rahul Mankoottathil, in particular, faced criticism for making derogatory remarks against Supreme Court judges who instructed Rahul Gandhi to apologise to the RSS for defamatory statements he made against the organisation. Another notice was issued to Youth Congress Malappuram district president Haris Muthoor and vice presidents Nidheesh, Prajith, and Viswanathan for posting venomous posters in Malappuram prior to the anti-RSS public event. These posters falsely asserted that the RSS was responsible for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.
The RSS’s legal actions come as a response to the propagation of misleading information aimed at tarnishing the organization’s reputation and inciting fear among minority communities. Critics argue that the tactics employed by the Youth Congress are driven by opportunistic vote-bank politics, seeking to portray themselves as champions of minority rights by vilifying the RSS.
It is emphasised that numerous commission reports in the past have debunked the false narrative linking the RSS to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. However, despite the evidence to the contrary, the Youth Congress persists in its efforts to demonise the RSS and exploit divisive narratives for political gain.
The legal notices served by the RSS signal a firm stance against the dissemination of false and defamatory information, seeking accountability from those responsible for perpetuating baseless allegations. The organisation asserts its commitment to upholding truth and integrity while condemning attempts to manipulate public opinion through misinformation and fearmongering tactics.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the issue underscores broader concerns about the politicisation of historical events and the need for responsible discourse in public discourse. The RSS remains steadfast in its defence against unfounded accusations, reaffirming its dedication to the principles of justice, transparency, and ethical conduct.
