TNCC President Selvaperunthagai Honours Stan Swamy Who Was Implicated In Anti-National Activities

On 5 July 2024, Pastor Stan Swamy, also known as Stan Lourduswamy, an 83-year-old Jesuit priest and activist, passed away. He had been denied bail by the National Investigation Agency Court on 22 March 2021, in the Bhima Koregaon – Elgaar Parishad case. The court’s decision was based on substantial evidence indicating that Stan Swamy was involved in a “serious conspiracy” with members of a banned Maoist organization to create unrest and destabilize the government.

Judge DE Kothalikar, who rejected Stan Swamy’s bail plea, noted the existence of approximately 140 emails between Swamy and his co-accused, references to them as “comrades,” and financial transactions aimed at supporting Maoist activities. These elements, the judge concluded, suggested that Stan Swamy was not only associated with the banned organization CPI (Maoist) but was actively pursuing its objectives, which included undermining the nation’s democratic foundations.

Born in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, Stan Swamy had later become a Roman Catholic priest of the Jesuit order. Notably, the Bombay High Court had previously granted bail to octogenarian Maoist ideologue Varavara Rao in the same case on medical grounds, citing his advanced age as a compelling reason for release.

Critics have raised eyebrows at the Tamil Nadu unit of the Congress Party and its president for praising Stan Swamy, known for anti-India activism under the guise of being a tribal rights advocate. In his official statement, TNCC President Selvaperunthagai stated, “Father Stan Swamy (Stanislaus Lourtuswamy), who worked for the rights of tribals throughout his life, was honored yesterday (05.07.2024). Then an organization serving the people named STAN SWAMY PEOPLE’S FEDERATION – TAMILNADU was started. All India Secretary (Orissa-in-charge) Mr. Christopher Tilak, Tamil Nadu Congress Youth Wing President Mr. Lenin Prasad and executives attended the event.”