The invitation to Kamaltai Gavai, mother of Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, to attend a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event has sparked controversy, highlighting the complex interplay between personal beliefs, political affiliations, and public perception. The RSS, an organization that is closely tied to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, invited Kamaltai Gavai to be the chief guest at its Vijayadashami and centenary celebrations in Amravati, Maharashtra on October 5.
Initially, it was reported that Kamaltai Gavai, who is the president of Shri Dadasaheb Gawai Charitable Trust of Amravati, had accepted the invitation. However, she later denied these reports, calling them "completely false" and a "conspiracy" by the RSS. She stated that she had not accepted any invitation or given written consent to attend the program and emphasized her family's deep commitment to Ambedkarite thought and the Constitution of India. She further added that associating her with such an event was "misleading and untrue". Kamaltai Gavai also pointed out that while Vijayadashami may hold cultural significance for many, her community gives greater importance to Dhammachakra Pravartan Din, which commemorates Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Kamaltai Gavai's son, Dr. Rajendra Gavai, a Republican Party leader, contradicted his mother's statement, asserting that she would indeed attend the RSS event and that he himself had also accepted the invitation. This divergence in statements within the family has further fueled the debate surrounding the invitation and its implications.
The controversy also comes in the wake of criticism directed at CJI B.R. Gavai himself. Earlier in September, the CJI made an oral remark during a hearing, telling a petitioner to "pray to Lord Vishnu" for the repair of a damaged idol. This comment triggered criticism from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other religious figures, who accused him of mocking the Hindu faith.
The situation is further complicated by the Gavai family's historical connections. Kamaltai's late husband, R.S. Gavai, a senior leader of the Republican Party of India (RPI), had attended an RSS event in 1981. He also served as a Member of Parliament and as the Governor of Bihar, Sikkim, and Kerala.
The controversy surrounding the invitation to CJI Gavai's mother highlights the challenges of navigating personal beliefs and affiliations within the context of public life. The incident raises questions about the perceived neutrality of individuals holding high public office and the potential for their personal connections to be viewed as endorsements or conflicts of interest. The differing statements from Kamaltai and Rajendra Gavai underscore the complexities within families when it comes to navigating ideological and political landscapes.
