The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Monday categorically stated that it did not instigate protests in Tiruchengode against writer Perumal Murugan’s novel, Madhorubhagan .
“The RSS is being unnecessarily dragged into the controversy. We never indulge in such kind of things. In fact, the RSS is involved in a wide range of activities and we do not have time for instigating protests like these,” said RSS spokesperson in Tamil Nadu N. Sadagopan, who is now touring several districts for the ‘Tirukkural Tirupayanam’ undertaken by BJP Rajya Sabha member Tarun Vijay.
Mr. Sadagopan said that while some of those who protested may have worked for the organisation, the protests themselves were not planned by its leadership. Instead, the RSS was looking to dispute literature that distorted Hindu practices with counter strong arguments.
He said the agitations against Madhorubhagan began solely as a reaction of the locals in the Kongu region. But the local media picked out the RSS for reasons unknown.
Meanwhile, BJP State president Tamizhisai Soundararajan said the party had nothing to do with the protests.
“The people have reacted spontaneously to the book since they think it is offending their beliefs. To say the BJP cadre is driving the reactions is distorting truth,” she asserted.
When pointed out that many of those who called for the protests, including a recent bandh, had allegiance to the party, she said the leadership did not issue any instruction to the workers on this issue.
The sudden protests against the book released in 2010 had angered writers and artists in the State, who called it an attack on freedom of speech.
