In a strongly-worded statement, CPI state secretary R Mutharasan has criticized the Narendra Modi government’s decision to relocate the statues of prominent historical figures from the Parliament premises under the guise of maintenance. The statues in question include those of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Chhatrapati Shivaji.
Mutharasan condemned the move, suggesting that it represents a deliberate attempt to insult leaders who have played crucial roles in India’s history and the fight for its independence. “Even before Modi was sworn in for his third term as Prime Minister, the process of insulting the late leaders who fought against foreign rule and for political rights had started,” he said. The CPI leader’s remarks reflect a deep concern over what he perceives as a lack of respect for these iconic figures.
The statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Chhatrapati Shivaji hold significant symbolic value. Gandhi is revered as the leader of India’s national freedom struggle, Ambedkar is celebrated as the architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice, and Shivaji is admired for his secular leadership and resistance against oppressive regimes. Mutharasan emphasized that these figures represent core values and principles that are fundamental to India’s identity.
Mutharasan’s statement also hints at possible political motivations behind the move. “In the name of parliamentary maintenance, the statues of Gandhi, the patriot who led the national freedom struggle, Ambedkar the social justice warrior who drafted the Constitution, and Chhatrapati Shivaji, who represented the secular character, are being removed and relocated,” he argued. This assertion suggests a belief that the relocation is not merely a logistical decision but a politically charged action.
The controversy surrounding the relocation of these statues extends beyond mere maintenance. It touches upon the broader issues of how historical figures and their legacies are honored and preserved in contemporary India. For many, these statues are not just physical monuments but embodiments of the ideals and struggles that shaped the nation.
As of now, the Modi government has maintained that the relocation is part of necessary maintenance activities within the Parliament complex. However, the lack of detailed explanation has only fueled suspicion and criticism from various quarters, including political opponents and social activists