RSS projects visit of Modi as a big event

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After reinforcing its grip on the state unit of the BJP, the RSS in Kerala is making tomorrow’s visit of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as a big event in its bid to strengthen its base in this Left-dominated state.

Even as it rejected the demand of Muslim outfits like National Development Front (NDF) for restricting Modi from visiting the state, LDF Government had instructed authorities to remain alert against communal elements seeking to foment trouble in the context of the event, especially in view of recent clashes in parts of Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram districts.

The mainstream parties, including Congress, CPI-M and Muslim League, have responded cautiously to Modi’s visit to address the Hindu Maha Mela here, amid protests from some Muslim outfits, as it would be legally and constitutionally untenable to stop the Chief Minister of one state from visiting another.

The CPI-M’s youth and student outfits, DYFI and SFI, have, however, announced that they would observe the occasion as “anti-communalism day.” Planned as part of the birth centenary celebrations of RSS ideologue Guruji M S Golwalkar, the Hindu Maha Sammelan is conceived as the most important programme of the Sangh in the state in recent times.

According to political observers, it is evident that by choosing Modi as the chief guest for the programme the RSS wanted to sent a message that the Hindutva would remain the ideological core for the parivar members including its political arm, the BJP.