Tension erupts as RSS march allegedly disrupted by religious slogans in Ratnagiri
MLA Nitesh Rane issues warning
Ratnagiri: A tense atmosphere emerged on Friday evening during a march organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Ratnagiri. The incident drew strong reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Kankavli MLA, Nitesh Rane, who condemned the actions of a few individuals he accused of attempting to disturb the event. Rane claimed that as long as people with a "jihadi mentality" exist in India, they would hinder Hindus from celebrating their festivals and obstruct nationalist organisations like the RSS from holding peaceful gatherings.
According to reports, the RSS march was initially proceeding smoothly until some individuals began chanting religious slogans in an apparent attempt to disrupt the event. Rane expressed his outrage on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, "There will be consequences for this, with interest."
In a subsequent video message, Rane detailed the incident, asserting that chants of "Allahu Akbar" were heard from the crowd during the RSS procession. He suggested that these disruptions are part of a broader agenda aimed at transforming India into an Islamic nation, despite it being a Hindu-majority country. Rane called for Hindu unity, warning that if left unchecked, such disruptions could invade homes in the future. He emphasised, “If you divide, you will be cut; if you stay united, you will thrive.”
The march involved RSS workers marching in formation, accompanied by a band, until a group attempted to block the procession with religious chants. Police intervened immediately, ensuring that the march continued without further incident.
Authorities have initiated an investigation and are reviewing video footage to identify those responsible for the disruptions. The police assured the public that they are working to maintain order and peace in the area.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
