CHIEF Justice of India BR Gavai’s mother and political activist Kamaltai Gavai said Wednesday that she would not attend the RSS centenary event in Amravati on October 5 due to health reasons although the CJI's brother Dr Rajendra Gavai had told reporters earlier that she has “received and accepted” the invitation, and would attend. Referring to a purported letter circulated earlier, which claimed that she would not attend the event as she was a staunch Ambedkarite, Kamaltai said it was likely written by “someone else”, who was a “well-wisher” of her family. In a statement released Wednesday, Kamaltai said she would not be able to attend the function due to her advanced age (84) and health issues. Kamaltai also expressed concern over the criticism directed at her and her husband, the late Dadasaheb Gavai, a veteran of the Ambedkarite movement, following the release of the purported letter earlier. “Dadasaheb’s entire life was devoted to Ambedkarite thought. He often went to opposing platforms, including those of the Sangh, not to endorse Hindutva, but to present the principles of equality, liberty, fraternity, justice and a scientific outlook. He firmly believed that even those who disagreed should hear Ambedkarite ideas,” Kamaltai said. She emphasised that if she were to attend such an event, she would only present the Ambedkarite thought. “No matter where we go, our values demand that we uphold Ambedkarite ideology until our last breath,” she said. In her statement, Kamaltai also expressed “sadness” over what she called criticism devoid of facts aimed at her and Dadasaheb Gavai. She reiterated her lifelong commitment to the Ambedkarite movement and Vipassana but clarified that due to her advanced age of 84 and health issues, she would not be attending the October 5 programme. “This attempt to tarnish my life’s work because of one event is painful. My health requires me to pause now. It is time for rest,” she said, concluding her statement. When contacted, Prof Kamlakar Payas, Secretary, Dadasaheb Gavai Charitable Trust, confirmed that Kamaltai's latest statement was indeed released on her behalf. On Monday, speaking to reporters, Dr Rajendra Gavai, who is also a leader of the Republican Party of India, said: “The Sangh’s programme is being held in Amravati, and Aai Saheb (mother) has received and accepted the invitation to attend. It is important to note that earlier, even at the Sangh’s Vijayadashmi events in Nagpur, leaders like B D Khobragade, barrister and former deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha, and Dadasaheb Gavai were present. Hence, even our mother accepted the invite. The Gavai family has always maintained relationships that go beyond political boundaries, relationships that are above party lines.” Earlier, officials of the RSS communication wing Vishwa Samvad Kendra had told The Indian Express that they had taken Kamaltai’s consent before extending the invite, and “even asked how her name should appear on the invitation card”.
