The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has issued a stern warning to Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) leaders, demanding an unconditional apology for spreading what they deem as unfounded lies on social media platforms. The RSS has threatened legal action against the CPM and its representatives if the demands are not met.
The demand for an apology comes after Vasuki Umanath, a central committee representative of CPI(M), allegedly posted defamatory content about RSS on her social media handles. Enraged by these baseless accusations, RSS has called for a public apology from the CPM and Umanath. Failure to comply with this demand could result in legal action for criminal defamation, according to RSS sources.
The RSS accuses the CPM of resorting to spreading misinformation and lies in order to defame RSS, BJP, and Hindutva ideology. RSS alleges that CPM has joined a “lie factory” to fabricate false narratives against BJP, its leaders, and associated organisations. The RSS further claims that the CPM’s actions are motivated by its allegiance to the DMK and its allies, as part of an effort to discredit BJP and Sangh Parivar.
The ongoing spat between RSS and CPM highlights the political polarisation in Tamil Nadu, with various parties engaging in a war of words ahead of the upcoming elections. While DMK, Muslim outfits, and VCK have previously been accused of similar actions, RSS’s confrontation with CPM adds another layer to the political discourse in the state.
CPM, known for its anti-BJP and anti-Hindu stance, has been criticised for its outdated ideologies and alleged obstructionist tactics against central government schemes. The party’s purported agenda of spreading misinformation and engaging in protests against economic and labor policies has drawn ire from opponents, including RSS.
Vasuki Umanath, daughter of senior CPM leaders R Umanath and Pappa Umatha, has come under fire for her social media posts accusing RSS of financial impropriety. Her claims about the construction of an RSS office in Delhi costing Rs. 4,500 crores have been dismissed as baseless and lacking in evidence. Critics have pointed out that Umanath failed to verify the information before disseminating it, suggesting ulterior motives behind her actions.
According to the RSS statement issued in Tamil on April 8, 2024, anti-social elements have been spreading rumours and slander about the organisation, taking advantage of its policy not to respond to such accusations. The statement specifically addresses Vasuki’s false campaign, wherein she claimed that a massive RSS office was being constructed in New Delhi at a cost of Rs. 4500 crores. RSS strongly condemned these baseless allegations and warned of legal action if an unconditional apology was not issued by Vasuki and the CPIM.
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The RSS’s response comes amidst a broader campaign of misinformation by political parties in Tamil Nadu, particularly the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allies. In various public addresses, DMK speakers have allegedly been spreading fear among voters, claiming that if Prime Minister Narendra Modi is re-elected, citizens will be restricted to eating only curd rice and sambar rice, with bans on mutton, beef, and chicken. This message, which aims to create panic and confusion among voters, has been echoed by other political entities including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Muslim groups, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), left parties, and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).
" If Modi is elected again, you can only eat Curd rice and Sambar rice, you will be banned from eating mutton, beef and chicken….." ,DMK campaign at Chennaipic.twitter.com/sAZWdwACNd
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) April 2, 2024
Observers see this coordinated effort as an attempt to defame the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is anticipated to win a significant number of seats, including double-digit figures from Tamil Nadu, in the upcoming elections. The RSS’s strong stance against false accusations reflects a broader trend of heightened political rhetoric and misinformation ahead of the polls.
