The Revolutionary Writers Association has condemned the attack on writer Kancha Ilaiah and said it exposed the caste hegemony backed by the ruling class and the Sangh Parivar.
The association, represented by its senior member Varavara Rao and secretary Varalaxmi said in a release that it opposed the research methodology of Mr. Ilaiah as it was quite common to anyone. But, Mr. Ilaiah’s writings were based on research of the Indian society from the point of view of the oppressed and the productive classes.
Ideological conflict was welcome as it led to development of society. But, the support extended by the State to physical attacks and the forces behind them amounted to fascism and not democracy.
Mr. Rao and Ms. Varalaxmi said the attack on Mr. Ilaiah might appear to be a result of his writing against Vysyas but there was more to it.
If it were so, matters would not have gone to the extent of intervention by the State and case being booked against him.
The upper castes and Sangh Parivar which are raging against Mr. Ilaiah have exposed their intolerance towards the enlightenment of oppressed classes. Mr. Ilaiah also grasped it quickly, they added.
In a separate statement, Congress MLA and in-charge of communications department of All India Congress Committee Randeep Singh Surjewala said the death threat issued by TDP MP T.G. Venkatesh against Mr. Ilaiah not only deserved strongest condemnation but it was a clear-cut criminal offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code.
He wondered why the BJP, TDP and TRS encouraged and extended support to such MPs. The Congress demanded booking of a case against Mr. Venkatesh and inquiry into the attack on Mr. Ilaiah at Parkal on Saturday.
The Telugu Desam president and Chief Minister N. Chanbrababu Naidu should expel the MP from the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi must initiate against Mr. Venkatesh, Surjewala added.
The Telangana Congress Committee president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the party condemned the attack on Kancha Ilaiah. At the same time, it was not right on the part of Mr. Ilaiah to write in such a malicious manner.