Introduction
As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its 100th year on October 2, 2025—Gandhi Jayanti—a separate development in Tamil Nadu sparked a political firestorm. Police detained 39 RSS members in the Porur area near Chennai for conducting guru pooja and a specialized training session inside a government school without prior permission. The arrests have intensified nationwide debates about the space for religious and cultural organizations within a secular state, security protocols, and the optics of centenary celebrations.
Background: The RSS at 100
Founded in 1925, the RSS has long been a leading force in the ecosystem of Indian volunteer organizations. This year, the organization has been commemorating a century of its shakha-based activities across the country. In a broader national backdrop, the central government released a commemorative stamp and a coin to honor the RSS’s centenary on Gandhi Jayanti, a move that amplified the visibility and political resonance of the milestone.
The Tamil Nadu Incident
In Tamil Nadu’s Porur region, police detained about 39 RSS members who were said to be conducting guru pooja and a “special department” training session inside a government school. Officials asserted that the activities were carried out without the required clearance, leading to arrests and possible charges. The state police emphasized adherence to existing rules governing the use of government premises for private or organizational events.
What triggered the action?
Authorities cited the lack of prior authorization as the core reason for intervention. Government facilities are generally expected to be neutral spaces, with uses requiring permits to ensure safety and maintain public order. Critics, however, argued that the timing—on the RSS centenary and Gandhi Jayanti—made the incident highly symbolic and politically charged, regardless of procedural concerns.
Why the Permissions Matter
Municipal and state guidelines often require prior approval for religious rites, assemblies, or training conducted within government premises. The case raises questions about whether these rules were applied uniformly and what constitutes a permissible activity for a voluntary organization that operates openly across India. The debate touches on broader tensions surrounding the governance of political mobilization within legal frameworks.
Political Reactions
Politically, the episode has become a flashpoint. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin condemned attempts to transform Gandhi Jayanti into a platform for political messaging and argued that security and public harmony must be protected. BJP leaders, including those allied with the RSS, and Tamilisai Soundararajan, the former Telangana Governor, criticized Stalin, accusing him of targeting RSS and stifling legitimate organizational activity. Both sides frame the issue through the lens of secularism, national unity, and the rights of organizations to operate within the law.
National Context
National commemorations of the RSS centenary and the government’s symbolic gestures—such as the stamp and coin—added a layer of national significance to the Tamil Nadu incident. Legal and constitutional questions about the balance between religious freedom and state neutrality have surfaced anew. While some voices call for a careful, rule-based approach to permit processes, others argue that the centenary should not be treated as a political warning bell against a major social movement.
Looking Ahead
The Tamil Nadu episode casts a spotlight on how secular, democratic states manage the activities of large civil society networks during landmark anniversaries. As RSS commemorates a century of public engagement, state authorities may recalibrate how permissions are sought and granted for public religious and training events. The unfolding narrative will likely influence future centenary programs and the broader discourse on the boundaries between cultural organizations and state governance.
