CJI’s mother to be chief guest at RSS event, brother says invite, ideology ‘separate’: Report
Amravati: Kamaltai Gavai, the mother of Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and a political activist, is set to be the chief guest at an upcoming RSS event linked to the Vijayadashami celebrations in Amravati, Maharashtra, on October 5.
The event, which follows the Sangh’s annual Vijayadashmi celebration at its headquarters in Nagpur, coincides with the centenary of the Sangh’s formation. This development has raised eyebrows due to her son’s high-profile position as the Chief Justice of India. However, Dr Rajendra Gavai, CJI’s brother and a leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI), confirmed that Kamaltai would attend the event, as reported by The Indian Express on Wednesday.
“The Gavai family has always maintained relationships that go beyond political boundaries, relationships that are above party lines,” TIE quoted him as saying.
According to RSS sources quoted in the report, Kamaltai’s invitation is in her personal capacity, acknowledging her activism and her role as the wife of the late Ramakrishna Gavai, former Governor of Maharashtra, who was known as ‘Dadasaheb Gavai’.
Officials of the RSS communication wing Vishwa Samvad Kendra mentioned that Kamaltai’s consent was sought before sending the official invitation. “The programme is in Amravati. It has nothing to do with the Nagpur event. The publicity department swayamsevaks in Amravati went to them (the Gavais), gave an official invitation, and they accepted it,” TIE quoted them as saying.
Speaking to the media, Rajendra Gavai said: “The Sangh’s programme is being held in Amravati, and Aai Saheb (mother) has received and accepted the invitation. It is important to note that in the past, leaders like B.D. Khobragade, a barrister and former Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and Dadasaheb Gavai have attended the Sangh’s Vijayadashmi events in Nagpur. Hence, even our mother accepted the invite.”
Responding to questions about the Chief Justice’s mother attending a Sangh event, Rajendra Gavai clarified: “My brother holds a very important position today, and that is why some opponents do not like it. They continue to spread baseless things about our family. We visit temples, churches, and mosques with equal respect, but opponents deliberately speak ill and make false remarks about us.”
Rajendra emphasised that their father has maintained cordial relationships with political leaders across the spectrum, from Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Indira Gandhi, yet their ideological beliefs remained distinct. “Attending someone’s function does not mean one’s ideology changes. That is absolutely not the case. In fact, I believe people should attend each other’s events as a matter of respect and goodwill,” he added.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
