The mother of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, Dr. Kamaltai R. Gavai, was at the center of controversy regarding an invitation to be the chief guest at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Vijayadashami celebration in Amravati on October 5, 2025. The event coincides with the centenary celebrations of the RSS.

Initially, it was reported that Kamaltai Gavai, a political activist, educationist and head of the Shri Dadasaheb Gavai Charitable Trust, had accepted the invitation. Her son, Dr. Rajendra Gavai, confirmed her acceptance, stating that the Gavai family has always maintained relationships beyond political boundaries. He emphasized that attending the event did not mean abandoning their Ambedkarite ideology. He cited past instances of family members attending RSS events, including their father in 1981, and noted that personal and political relationships are distinct. Rajendra Gavai also mentioned the family's ties with leaders across the political spectrum, such as Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

However, conflicting reports emerged, with a handwritten letter purportedly from Kamaltai Gavai circulating, in which she declined the invitation, citing her staunch Ambedkarite beliefs. The letter dismissed claims of her attendance as a "conspiracy" and "completely false" news spread by the RSS. The Wire was unable to independently verify the letter's authenticity and Kamaltai Gavai did not respond to their calls.

Rajendra Gavai responded to the circulating letter by stating that he would support his mother's decision, whether she chose to attend or decline. He also mentioned that his mother had been depressed and was not taking calls, making it difficult to confirm the letter's authenticity.

Amidst the conflicting reports and controversy, it was later confirmed that Kamaltai Gavai would not be attending the RSS event. The reasons behind her final decision remain unclear, with initial acceptance followed by a purported letter of declination and Rajendra Gavai's subsequent support of either decision.

The event in Amravati, where Kamaltai Gavai was initially invited, is scheduled to be held at Srimati Narsamma Mahavidyalaya Maidan in Kiran Nagar. J Nanda Kumar, head of the Sangh's intellectual wing Prajna Pravah, is slated to deliver the keynote address. The main Vijayadashami event of the RSS is to be held in Nagpur on October 2.