On what would have been Mahatma Gandhi’s 157th birthday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin voiced strong criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister expressed dismay over PM Modi’s decision to release a commemorative stamp and coin marking the centenary of the RSS, calling for a collective pledge to safeguard the nation from what he described as a “shameful” direction.
In a powerful statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Stalin highlighted the incongruity of celebrating the RSS — a movement he linked to the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin — on the very day of Gandhi Jayanti. He emphasized that citizens must commit to reversing this “shameful situation” where India’s top leader publicly honors an organization with such a contentious historical connection to the nation’s father.
Stalin reiterated that Mahatma Gandhi founded India on the fundamental principle of being a secular nation, inclusive of all religious communities. This core value, he argued, is essential to the nation’s identity.
He further added that Gandhi’s legacy serves as an enduring source of strength, empowering people to resist divisive forces and combat the spread of hatred whenever they threaten national unity.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Stalin himself paid heartfelt floral tributes at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue located on the museum campus in Egmore, Chennai, reinforcing his commitment to Gandhi’s ideals.