‘This Is Not Gujarat’: Kerala DYFI, YC Protest Naming Of Disability Centre After RSS Founder

Tensions flared in Palakkad on Saturday during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a skill development centre for disabled individuals, as members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and Youth Congress (YC) staged protests over the naming of the centre after Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder KB Hedgewar.

YC, DYFI Protest In Palakkad

The event, organised by the BJP-led Palakkad municipality, saw dramatic scenes as activists from the DYFI and YC converged on the venue from different directions, attempting to disrupt the ceremony, as per a report on PTI. Police intervened to manage the situation as protesters tore down banners, shouted slogans, and damaged the podium.

While the project aims to support over 200 disabled individuals, the controversy centered around its proposed name. Protesters argued that naming a public welfare initiative after the RSS founder reflected an attempt at “saffronisation” of public spaces.

“We support the initiative, but we oppose naming it after Hedgewar,” a DYFI representative said, as per the agency. Echoing a similar sentiment, a Youth Congress leader added, “It is sad they chose Hedgewar’s name. We will not allow saffronisation of Palakkad.” 

A protestor reportedly said that ‘this not Gujarat’ but this is Kerala, reported Maktoob Media.

Despite the protests, the event eventually proceeded after police detained and removed the demonstrators from the venue.

Municipal chairperson, Chairman Defends Move 

Municipal chairperson Pramila Sasidharan defended the naming decision, questioning the objections raised. “There are stadiums in the name of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. Hedgewar has worked for the disabled persons. So, what is wrong in naming the centre after him?” she said.

Vice-chairman E Krishnadas condemned the protests, calling them “unfortunate and politically motivated” attempts to derail a programme meant for the benefit of the disabled community.

In response to the morning’s disruption, BJP workers marched to the District Congress Committee (DCC) office in the evening, chanting slogans in support of Hedgewar. Police were deployed in large numbers, setting up barricades to prevent the marchers from reaching the building. Minor scuffles broke out, and the BJP workers continued their protest from outside the barricaded zone.