The open letter issued by Mrs Kamaltai gavai, the mother of chief justice of India Mr B R Gavai, and more importantly the founder of dadasaheb gavai charitable trust is an example of ideological clarity and foresight.
In her letter issued today, she has categorically denied taking part in the centennial Vijaydashmi celebrations of the RSS later this week. In her strongly worded letter, she has highlighted her commitment to Ambedkarite thought and belief in the constitution.
Her family has held a reputation of Ambedkarite tradition and she herself has been an active member of it.
What is important though is her juxtaposition of her faith in the constitution and her denial of any involvement with the RSS, implying that both are exclusive of each other. This is a very strong message and would impact the discourse, especially in Maharashtra politics.
She further claimed that she had never accepted any invitation from the RSS and accused the RSS of conspiring to drag her name.
Meanwhile the RSS had sent out invitations mentioning her as the chief guest on the occasion. Senior members claimed that she had accepted the invitation earlier, and the invitation cards were accordingly issued.
They said that rss was trying to forge a Hindu unity, through dialogue with opposing ideologies. Rss has had a history of inviting opponents and using their presence on their platform as a mark of validation of their ideology.
This validation seeking is reminiscent of the long period of isolation, they suffered, until mainstreamed by the JP movement and then the ramjanmabhoomi movement.
The Ambedkarite movement has posed a formidable challenge to their idea of Hindurashtra and Hindutva. It has the vocabulary and imagery that can offset the hindutva narrative.
With the number, it has appeal to, it can delegitimize RSS’ Brahmin led consolidation of a majority. Mrs Gavai’s calling it out, is a display of rare political foresight and courage.
