News Tamil Nadu

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan Refutes Fake News Spread By Sun News

March 24, 2025
The Commune

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has firmly denied the false claims circulated by Sun News, the official mouthpiece of the DMK. The news outlet falsely reported that he stated during a recent book launch event, “Tamil Nadu was created by the British. No Tamil has created Tamil Nadu.” This incident highlights how legacy media in Tamil Nadu selectively crafts narratives against the opposition, using misleading wordplay to manipulate public perception and portray the BJP in a negative light.

On 22 March 2025, the Sun News posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) page, claiming that Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan had stated, “Tamil Nadu was created by the British” during a speech. The post was accompanied by a news card that quoted him as saying, “Tamil Nadu was created by the British. No Tamil created Tamil Nadu. When Jainism emerged, two-thirds of Tamils ​​followed it. Today, only 40,000 Tamil Jains remain,” Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan said at the launch of a book on Hedgewar in Mumbai.”

This post, generated by the ruling DMK’s media outlet, was quickly picked up and amplified by Dravidianist media, spreading across the state without any verification of its authenticity. In response, Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan officially dismissed the claim as fake news through his official X account.

 

What Did Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan Say?

Contrary to the misinformation circulated about Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan’s remarks at a book launch on 22 March 2025, he addressed concerns about separatist forces in Tamil Nadu and Punjab, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar’s vision of unity and national integration.

Speaking at the launch of Hedgewar – A Definitive Biography by British-Indian author Sachin Nandha at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, Governor Radhakrishnan underscored the importance of preserving India’s unity against divisive narratives. He recalled his long-standing association with the RSS, particularly its contributions in Tamil Nadu, and dismissed claims that India was a creation of British rule, asserting that the country had been historically united long before colonial intervention.

“In Punjab, separatist efforts take one form, but in Tamil Nadu, words are used as weapons to mislead young minds,” he noted. He argued against the notion that India was shaped solely by the British, referencing historical unity under leaders like Emperor Ashoka. “While British rule may have politically defined India, we were functionally and culturally united long before that,” he stated.

Reflecting on Tamil Nadu’s past, he pointed out that the region had been divided among Chera, Chola, Pandya, and Kongunadu kingdoms. He also mentioned the historical spread of Jainism and Buddhism in the region, explaining that Tamil Nadu was politically consolidated under British rule rather than by any single Tamil leader. “If we keep dividing ourselves, we might reach a point where traveling between towns requires passports,” he remarked, warning of the dangers of excessive regionalism.

He further highlighted the risks of fragmentation in India, drawing parallels with Maharashtra, where regions like Vidarbha, Konkan, and Marathwada have distinct identities. “If we continue down this path, who will have the bargaining power on the global stage? Our strength lies in our unity,” he asserted.

The Governor also reflected on his early years in the RSS, recalling how Dr. Hedgewar began the organization with a small group of schoolboys, defying skepticism. “People doubted whether these young boys could build a Hindu Rashtra, but today, the RSS stands as one of the largest nationalist organizations, shaping individuals dedicated to society and the nation,” he said.

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership style to the RSS’s influence, quoting the Prime Minister’s acknowledgment of how the organization instilled a spirit of service. “Dr. Hedgewar always emphasized pride in our culture and our motherland. Loving one’s mother is natural, but love for the motherland should be just as strong,” he added.

Governor Radhakrishnan praised the timing of the book’s release, stating that Dr. Hedgewar’s legacy continues to inspire millions as India progresses on the global stage. He noted that the centenary of the RSS makes Hedgewar’s philosophy even more significant in contemporary India.

Author Sachin Nandha described the book as a deep exploration of India’s civilizational ethos, examining Hedgewar’s role in shaping modern nationalism. He discussed the founder’s interactions with prominent leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and Savarkar, as well as his efforts to reform Hindu society from within. “This book is more than just a biography—it’s a study of how a transformative idea moved from the margins to the center of Indian politics,” Nandha explained.

In one chapter, titled The Godfather, Nandha portrays the RSS as an organization of resilience and influence, capable of mobilizing people and shaping societal change. “Hedgewar inadvertently became the godfather of a movement that continues to define India’s socio-political landscape,” he wrote.

The author clarified that the book does not present Hedgewar as either a saint or a villain but as a visionary whose ideas evolved over time. “It’s a story of struggle, growth, and the power of ideas. Most importantly, it’s an account of how a worthy vision transforms from the periphery to the mainstream,” he concluded.

(With Inputs From The Hindu)

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