Kummanam Rajasekharan
{{short description|Former Governor of Mizoram}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2017}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image = Kummanam Rajasekharan.png
| nationality = Indian
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1952|12|23}}
| birth_place = Kummanam, Kottayam, Kerala
| parents =
| occupation = Politician
| website = {{URL|kummanamrajasekharan.in}}
| party = Bharatiya Janata Party
| office1 = 14th Governor of Mizoram
| term_start1 = {{Start date|2018|05|29|df=yes}}
| term_end1 = {{End date|2019|03|08|df=yes}}
| predecessor1 = Nirbhay Sharma
| successor1 = Jagdish Mukhi
| office2 = State President of Bharatiya Janata Party, Kerala
| 1blankname1 = Chief Minister
| 1namedata1 = {{Unbulleted_list|Lal Thanhawla|Zoramthanga}}
| term_start2 = {{Start date|2015|12|19|df=yes}}
| term_end2 = {{End date|2018|05|25|df=yes}}
| predecessor2 = V. Muraleedharan
| successor2 = P. S. Sreedharan Pillai
}}
{{family name hatnote|Kummanam|Rajasekharan|Indian name|lang=Toponymic}}Kummanam Rajasekharan (born 23 December 1952) is an Indian politician and former governor of Mizoram (2018–2019). He began his political career as an activist of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Sangh Parivar in Kerala in 1970. From 2015 to 2018, he was the state president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kerala. He is the first BJP leader from Kerala to become governor. He currently serves as the administrative committee member of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He actively contested for BJP in various Loksabha and assembly elections in Kerala.{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kummanam-rajasekharan-to-represent-centre-in-administrative-committee-of-sree-padmanabha-swamy-temple--1.5149901|title=Kummanam Rajasekharan to represent centre in administrative committee of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126104136/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kummanam-rajasekharan-to-represent-centre-in-administrative-committee-of-sree-padmanabha-swamy-temple--1.5149901|url-status=dead}}
Rajasekharan worked as a journalist between 1974 and 1976, before joining the Food Corporation of India. He became a high-ranking official of the Kerala Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) during that time. In 1987, he resigned to become a full-time Sangh Parivar worker, while being instrumental in spearheading Kerala's VHP, Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti, Balasadanams, and Ekal Vidyalayas. Rajasekharan has been the secretary of Hindu Aikya Vedi,{{cite news |title=Sabarimala a cash cow, but Kerala won't allow its symbols |last=Ananthakrishnan |first=G. |date=26 October 2010 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-26/india/28265039_1_sabarimala-haj-pilgrims |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103125737/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-26/india/28265039_1_sabarimala-haj-pilgrims |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=The Times of India |access-date=10 May 2018}} Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam, general-secretary and chairman of Janmabhumi.
In 2019, he was conferred with a Doctor of Letters degree by the Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabrmal Tibrewala University for honouring his contributions to the field of social work.{{cite web|last=Rajasekharan|first=Kummanam|title=The degree of D. Litt in the field of social work|url=https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1100451858970279938|publisher=Twitter|access-date=8 March 2019|date=26 February 2019}}{{cite news|title=Doctorate for Kummanam Rajasekharan|url=https://www.keralakaumudi.com/en/news/kerala/general/doctorate-for-kummanam-rajasekharan-17113|access-date=8 March 2019|work=Kerala Kaumudi|date=21 November 2018}}
Early life
Rajasekharan was born on 23 December 1952 to Adv V. K. Ramakrishna Pillai and P. Parukkutty Amma in Kummanam village of Kottayam district, Kerala, India. He completed his school education from Government Upper Primary School in Kummanam and N.S.S. High School in Kottayam. He completed pre-degree education from Baselius College, Kottayam and later joined CMS College Kottayam and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Botany. He then took a postgraduate diploma in journalism and began a career in journalism as sub-editor in various newspapers.{{cite web|title=Kummanam Rajasekharan's mother passed away|url=https://haindavakeralam.com/kummanam-rajasekharans-mother-hk8057|publisher=Haindava Keralam|access-date=2 August 2018|date=3 January 2011}}{{cite news|last=ഡി.|first=ബിനു|title=ബി.ജെ.പിയുടെ കടിഞ്ഞാൺ കുമ്മനത്തിന്റെ കൈകളിൽ|url=https://www.madhyamam.com/kerala/2015/dec/19/166854|access-date=2 August 2018|work=Madhyamam Daily|date=19 December 2015}}{{cite news|title=Kummanam Rajasekharan is BJP Kerala state president|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/151219/nation-current-affairs/article/kummanam-rajasekharan-bjp-state-president|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219134600/http://deccanchronicle.com/151219/nation-current-affairs/article/kummanam-rajasekharan-bjp-state-president|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 December 2015|access-date=25 May 2018|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=19 December 2015}}{{cite web|title=Kummanam Rajasekharan|url=http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/governor.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308110901/http://mizoram.nic.in/gov/governor.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 March 2019|publisher=Governor of Mizoram|access-date=8 March 2019|date=25 May 2018}}
Professional career
In 1974, Rajasekharan joined Deepika news-daily as sub-editor, embarking on a career in journalism. He later worked in different news-dailies such as Rastravaartha, Keraladesam, Kerala Bhooshanam and Kerala Dwani. In 1976, he took a break from journalism and joined Food Corporation of India (FCI) as a government servant. In 1979, he became Kottayam district Secretary of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and later became its state Joint Secretary in 1981. He resigned the job from FCI in 1987 and became a pracharak (full-time worker) in Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).{{cite web|title=About {{!}} Kummanam Rajasekharan|url=http://www.kummanamrajasekharan.in/about-kummanam/|publisher=www.kummanamrajasekharan.in|access-date=25 May 2018}}{{cite news|last1=Philip|first1=Shaju|title=Stirs to protect temples powered Rajasekharan's rise|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/stirs-to-protect-temples-powered-rajasekharans-rise/|access-date=25 May 2018|work=The Indian Express|date=19 December 2015}}
Political career
He came into contact with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh during his student days. In 1979, he became the district-secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and later was associated with many Hindu organisations in Kerala in various capacities.{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/tags/kummanam-rajasekharan|title=Kummanam Rajasekharan|access-date=21 December 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/hindu-aikya-vedi|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709094906/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/hindu-aikya-vedi|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 July 2012|work=The Times of India|title=India News, Latest Sports, Bollywood, World, Business & Politics News|access-date=21 December 2015}}
In 1983, he participated in the movement against 'Nilakkal land encroachment' and worked for 'Paliyam declaration' pronounced by prominent Hindu religious scholars.{{Cite web | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/ie/daily/19981220/35450384.html | title=Latest News, India News, Breaking News, Live News Online, Today Headlines}} In 2012, he participated in the agitation against KGS Aranmula International Airport. He was the Chief Patron of Aranmula Heritage Village Action Council which protested against this airport.{{cite web|url=http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=16827|title=HaindavaKeralam.com - Village Action Council will disrupt the Aranmula airport construction work says Kummanam|access-date=2013-01-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610213801/http://www.haindavakeralam.com/HKPage.aspx?PageID=16827|archive-date=10 June 2015}}
- In 1981, became State Joint-Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
- In 1983, was appointed General-Convener of Nilakkal Action Council and led the mass agitation against the encroachment in Nilakkal.
- In 1985, became General-Secretary of Hindu Munnani (Hindu Front)
- In 1987, he contested from Thiruvananthapuram constituency as Hindu Munnani candidate.
- In 1988, he was appointed General-Secretary of Guruvayoor Temple Action Council and led agitation to take out Jacob Thampi from managing committee of Guruvayoor Temple.
- In 1989, was appointed Editor of Janmabhumi daily, Kochi.
- In 1992, was designated General-Convenor of Hindu Aikya Vedi.
- In 1996, was appointed Organising-Secretary of Vishwa Hindu Parishad
- In 1998, was appointed General-Convener of Sivagiri Samara Sahaya Samithi to assist the agitations led by Swami Prakashananda protesting against his removal from presidency of Sivagiri Madom.
- In 2003, led a mass agitation against the Marad massacre.
- In 2007, was designated as Managing Director of Janmabhumi daily.
- In 2009, was selected as General-Secretary of Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam.{{cite web|url=http://www.ayyappa.co.in/|title=Sabarimala – Saranashramam|work=Sabarimala|access-date=21 December 2015}}
- In 2010, was appointed General-Secretary of Hindu Aikya Vedi.
- In 2011, was appointed Chairman, Janamabhumi daily.{{cite web|url=http://www.janmabhumidaily.com/jnb/?page_id=14|title=About Janmabhumi Daily|author=ജന്മഭൂമി|work=ജന്മഭൂമി|access-date=21 December 2015|archive-date=1 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801143008/http://www.janmabhumidaily.com/jnb/?page_id=14|url-status=dead}}
- In 2012, was appointed Chief Patron (Mukhya Rakshadhikari) of Aranmula Heritage Village Action Council.
- In 2015, was appointed President, BJP Kerala State Unit from 18 December.
- In 2018, was appointed the Governor of Mizoram on May 25.{{cite web|title=President Kovind appoints Odisha, Mizoram Governors|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/president-kovind-appoints-odisha-mizoram-governors201805252121290001/|publisher=ANI News|access-date=25 May 2018}} He resigned from the post on 8 March 2019.{{cite web |title=Ex-Kerala BJP Chief Rajasekharan Resigns as Mizoram Governor, Fuels Buzz of Poll Fight vs Shashi Tharoo |url=https://www.news18.com/news/politics/ex-kerala-bjp-chief-rajasekharan-resigns-as-mizoram-governor-fuels-buzz-of-poll-fight-vs-shashi-tharoor-2060423.html |website=news18 |date=8 March 2019 |access-date=8 March 2019}}
- In 2019, contested Lok Sabha elections 2019 from Thiruvananthapuram constituency against former Union minister Shashi Tharoor and former state minister C. Divakaran.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/kummanam-rajasekharan-resigns-mizoram-governor-contest-bjp-tpuram-97954|website=www.thenewsminute.com|access-date=2019-05-26|title=Kummanam Rajasekharan resigns as Mizoram Governor, to contest for BJP from T'puram?|date=8 March 2019}} Tharoor emerged the winner with a margin of 99,989 votes over Rajasekharan. He secured over 3.25 lakhs.{{cite web |author1=Web Desk |title=Election Results 2019: Shashi Tharoor wins from Thiruvananthapuram for third consecutive time |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/lok-sabha-2019/story/thiruvananthapuram-election-results-2019-shashi-tharoor-1533269-2019-05-24 |website=India Today |access-date=17 December 2019 |language=en |date=24 May 2019}}
- In October 2020, he was chosen as the representative of the Central Government in the Administrative Committee of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.{{Cite web|url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kummanam-rajasekharan-to-represent-centre-in-administrative-committee-of-sree-padmanabha-swamy-temple--1.5149901|title=Kummanam Rajasekharan to represent centre in administrative committee of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple|website=Mathrubhumi|access-date=22 November 2020|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126104136/https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/kummanam-rajasekharan-to-represent-centre-in-administrative-committee-of-sree-padmanabha-swamy-temple--1.5149901|url-status=dead}}
- He unsuccessfully contested the 2021 Kerala State Legislative Assembly election from Nemom assembly constituency as the BJP Candidate. This seat was the BJP's only seat in the 2016 elections.
= Marad massacre =
On the evening of 2 May 2003, a group of fishermen were attacked by a Muslim mob armed with swords and deadly weapons with the help of local political support. Nine Hindus were killed in that attack. Many were seriously wounded.{{cite news|title=Marad Massacre Investigation Report|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2016/nov/12/panel-report-crucial-for-investigation-1537612.html|work=The New Indian Express|publisher=Express Publications (Madurai)}} Mass protests were carried out by various Hindu organisations under the banner of the Hindu Aikya Vedi, against the violence. Kerala government decided to announce compensation for victims' families and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. As the General-Secretary of Hindu Aikya Vedi, RSS, Kummanam Rajasekharan helped the victims of the massacre.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/04/25/stories/2004042507860400.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040622034248/http://www.hindu.com/2004/04/25/stories/2004042507860400.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=22 June 2004|title=Kerala News : Marad case: Kummanam refutes Antony's statement|access-date=21 December 2015|newspaper=The Hindu|date=25 April 2004}}
Controversies
In December 2015, Kummanam Rajasekharan made a communal statement while attending a public function that, “Vendors from other religions shouldn't be allowed in temple premises and temple committees could decide on letting vendors from other religions operate at temple premises”. This led to widespread protest in the state. The Government of Kerala as well as opposition parties opposed this statement and accused that Kummanam is trying to create communal division and transform the temples to RSS offices.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/kerala-bjp-prez-in-row-over-communal-statement-499650.html|title=Kerala BJP prez in row over 'communal' statement|date=22 December 2015|website=Deccan Herald}}
In May 2017, Kummanam circulated a video in his social media account which claimed CPI(M) men celebrating the murder of an RSS worker. The video turned out to be a fake and a police case was registered against him.{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/case-against-kerala-bjp-chief-for-circulating-fake-video-showingcpim-men-celebra/298945|title=Case Against Kerala BJP Chief For Circulating 'Fake' Video Showing CPI(M) Men Celebrating RSS Worker's Murder|website=outlookindia.com/|date=2 February 2022 }}
In June 2018, just days after Kummanam was sworn in as the Governor of Mizoram, a campaign to remove him from the post was reportedly started by the People's Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM), an anti-corruption organisation turned political party. PRISM appealed to churches and political parties to expel Rajasekharan from the state, the organisation called him an "anti-secular" and a "radical Hindu leader" in the appeal letter.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/drive-out-radical-hindu-governor-campaign-mizoram-against-kummanam-rajasekharan-82294|title='Drive out radical Hindu Governor': Campaign in Mizoram against Kummanam Rajasekharan|date=1 June 2018|website=The News Minute}}
In October 2020, the Aranmula police filed a lawsuit against Kummanam, among several others, for allegedly defrauding an individual of several lakh rupees. According to the prosecution, on the premise of making him a collaborator in a factory-unit to be established in Palakkad, the accused allegedly took {{INR|36 lakh}} from the victim.{{Cite news|author=Staff Reporter|date=2020-10-22|title=Case against Kummanam, 8 others for fraud|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/case-against-kummanam-8-others-for-fraud/article32919101.ece|access-date=2020-11-22|issn=0971-751X}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|www.kummanamrajasekharan.in}}
- [http://www.indianexpress.com/oldStory/17097/ Missionaries]
{{s-start}}
{{s-off}}
{{s-bef|before=Lt General (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma}}
{{s-ttl|title=Governor of Mizoram|years=29 May 2018 - 8 March 2019}}
{{s-aft|after= Jagdish Mukhi}}
{{s-end}}
{{Governor of Mizoram |state=expanded}}
{{Sangh Parivar}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rajasekharan, Kummanam}}
Category:Activists from Kerala
Category:Bharatiya Janata Party politicians from Kerala
Category:People from Kottayam district
Category:Vishva Hindu Parishad members
Category:Indian far-right politicians