CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam’s remarks against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) holding a Kumbh Mela at Tirunavaya have triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders accusing him of opposing Hindu traditions.
Speaking at a CPI meeting on secularism near the Gandhi statue at Tirunavaya on Saturday, Mr. Viswam said those seeking to hold the Kumbh Mela there were promoting the politics of Nathuram Godse, who killed Mahatma Gandhi.
Tirunavaya is one of the places where Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes were immersed, Mr. Viswam said. Gandhi, not Godse, represented Hindu values, he added, stressing the need for Hindu-Muslim unity.
Mr. Viswam said the CPI respected all religions but opposed making religion part of the nation. He also accused the BJP and RSS of following an ideology influenced by Mussolini and Hitler.
On electoral rolls, Mr. Viswam alleged that names were being removed on the basis of religion and caste and claimed that 13 crore names had been deleted. He also accused the Centre of weakening Parliament and the Constitution.
BJP Palakkad zone general secretary K.K. Surendran and State vice president V. Unnikrishnan hit back at the CPI leader, reasserting that the Kumbh Mela would continue to be held at Tirunavaya.
“Tirunavaya is not Binoy Viswam’s ancestral property,” Mr. Unnikrishnan said. He said the Kumbh Mela would continue to draw devotees and religious leaders.
Mr. Surendran accused Mr. Viswam of opposing Hindu beliefs for political gain and trying to create Hindu-Muslim divisions. Mr. Unnikrishnan alleged that Mr. Viswam was trying to appease Islamic extremists.
Mr. Surendran also questioned the CPI’s praise of Mahatma Gandhi, alleging that the party had opposed the Quit India Movement and had once described Gandhi as a British agent.
Published – October 03, 2026 07:05 pm IST
