CPI(M) Leader Calls Krishna Jayanti Processions an RSS Political Move

Senior Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader P. Jayarajan has alleged that the recent Sree Krishna Jayanti processions in Kerala are part of a deliberate political strategy by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He claimed the rallies are designed to help the organisation build a support base among families across the state.

Speaking on a podcast series produced by the CPI(M)'s Kannur district committee, Mr. Jayarajan drew a contrast with earlier traditions. He noted that, historically, the only religious processions commonly seen on Kerala's streets were those held to mark 'Chathaya Dinam', the birth anniversary of social reformer Sree Narayana Guru.

Mr. Jayarajan argued that the introduction of large-scale Sree Krishna Jayanti celebrations is a more recent phenomenon, orchestrated by the RSS for political gain. He contextualised his remarks by pointing to historical restrictions on temple entry. "Faith in Lord Krishna has existed in Keralam for a long time, but people belonging to the lower castes were not allowed entry into Sree Krishna temples," he said, adding that this continued until the Temple Entry Proclamation.

He further noted that even members of the Nair community faced entry restrictions, a point previously highlighted by social reformer Mannath Padmanabhan. It is against this backdrop of historical exclusion, Mr. Jayarajan asserted, that the current Krishna Jayanti processions should be viewed as an RSS political project.