The ‘Cutting South’ conclave, with its avowed mission of separating South India from the North, is being supported by the coalition in power in Kerala
At a time when the world is reeling under the threat of war — which, if not handled with restraint and pragmatism by stakeholders, could become a world war — as the chairman of the G20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the call of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in tune with Bharat's ethos. As Bharat's statue is on the rise, forces inimical to its interests are working together to launch an onslaught to stop its progress. Although this is not new, recent efforts are more organized and well-funded. Controversial US billionaire George Soros — whom external affairs minister S Jaishankar described as an ‘old, opinionated and dangerous person’ — has pledged $1 billion to fight emerging nationalist tendencies in countries like Bharat. He bankrolls divisive forces, media outlets, and civil society organizations to build narratives of separatism. He churns out atrocity literature and trigger social schism. A businessman who benefited from the economy's destruction is believed to have attempted the same destructive tactics in Bharat. However, he failed thanks to its robust economic fundamentals.
The ‘Cutting South’ media conclave, organized by some pro-Islamist, pro-Left media and propaganda outlets such as Kerala Union of Working Journalists, The News Minute, News laundry, Confluence media and some funders from Canada should be viewed from this perspective. The conclave was happening at a time when India is gearing up to organize various events for G20. A few days ago, on the eve of a G20-connected event in Punjab, Pakistan-funded Khalistani elements created a ruckus vitiating the atmosphere. Their agenda was to show that Bharat under the Modi dispensation is in utter chaos and persecuted groups demand separation from the nation.
It is not a mere coincidence that around the same time, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi gave speeches in the UK. In these speeches, he called upon foreign leaders to intervene in domestic affairs 'to save democracy’ in Bharat. Although all these events may appear unconnected, the message and narrative sent across are dangerous, to say the least.
Sinister Designs
The most worrying aspect of the ‘Cutting South’ conclave, with its avowed mission of separating South India from the North, is that the coalition in power in Kerala has not only given it moral support but also men and material. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and some of his senior colleagues and Congress leader VD Satheesan attended the event. The organisers tried to trap BJP leaders by hard-selling the event as a Global Media Festival. Fortunately, BJP leaders and several well-meaning journalists refused to participate.
The event was organised to give ideological inputs and impetus to the agenda of anti-India forces, including the banned Popular Front of India (PFI) of dividing Bharat and promoting secessionism. Reports of the NIA chargesheet on PFI’s ‘Vision’ of creating an Islamic country in Bharat by 2047 should be seen from this perspective. PFI, according to the chargesheet, planned to enhance jihadi capacities in the South to turn it into a hub of Islamic terror activities. This was so that in the event of an attack from Pakistan, its cadres could attack the Indian Army, making our country vulnerable.
The chargesheet also mentioned how PFI promoted and funded divisive forces to widen fault lines in Hindu society. Dubious journalist Siddique Kappan, an associate of PFI, is facing trial in a UAPA case for creating social tension in Uttar Pradesh. When Kappan was lodged in jail, the conclave organizers were pushing fake and pro-PFI narratives through their media outlets.
PFI had managed to build a common cause with secessionist forces, Maoists and urban Naxals which was evident during the anti-CAA protest. Khalistani elements provided funds and logistical support to the Shaheen Bagh protests. Former JNU students instigated Islamists to cut Assam and North East from the mainland using crowds and violence.
In this context, it should be mentioned that the preparations for the conclave had started much before the ban on PFI. The conclave's social media page had a distorted Bharat map. The Chief Minister and organisers pulled wool over people’s eyes by saying that the conclave was an event to “celebrate pro-people journalism” in the Global South. If this were the case, why would it be necessary to separate South India from the North? The whole of Bharat is part of the Global South — not a truncated Bharat.
Already efforts to drive a wedge between communities are underway in South Indian states. The recent incidents in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu triggered by language chauvinists are part of the larger scheme. Sharjeel Imam who advocated Bharat splitting is languishing in jail. In contrast, those who called for the vivisection of the South enjoy political parties. It is high time the Centre turned its gaze on the South to prevent such outfits from pursuing their divisive agenda.
(The author is the national convener of Prajna Pravah, an RSS-inspired organisation)
