THE Rajasthan state committee and Jaipur district committee of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have strongly condemned the "hooliganism" by RSS-affiliated elements during the Udaipur Film Festival. CPI(M) has demanded strict action from the state government against the culprits and urged measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

CPI(M) state secretary Amra Ram and district secretary Sanjay Madhav criticised the disruption of the screening of Had Anhad by RSS members, and called it a cowardly attack on freedom of expression, the Indian Constitution, and democratic norms. In a press statement issued on November 19, the leaders described the assault on progressive art and artists as a shameful example of the increasing influence of RSS within administrative structures under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at both the national and state levels. They expressed concern over such attacks as attempts to silence dissenting voices that challenge exploitation and injustice, which are contrary to constitutional values.

The Udaipur Film Society organised the three-day festival as part of the Cinema of Resistance initiative, showcasing films with social significance. This year's event was dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of Palestinians facing violence by Israeli military forces backed by American imperialism, particularly the violence unleashed on Palestinian women and children. It also honoured the memory of Professor G N Saibaba, known for his work on human rights. However, the festival was disrupted on its second day by RSS activists.

In a blatant and unjustified act, the RSS members reportedly interrupted the screening of Had Anhad, a film that explores religion and politics through Kabir's poetry, using abusive language against Palestinians and Professor Saibaba. The organizers had obtained all necessary permissions from the district administration, but despite this, authorities failed to prevent the disruption. Even the intervention of the District Collector proved ineffective.

CPI(M) pledged its support to the Udaipur Film Society for their courageous stance against fascistic intimidation. The refusal by organisers to withdraw the dedication to Palestinian children and Professor Saibaba was lauded as a bold assertion of democratic rights.

The CPI(M) highlighted that the RSS’s fear of progressive cinema, such as Had Anhad, reflects their apprehension that an awakened public could challenge their exploitative system. Art, particularly people-centric cinema that inspires resistance against injustice, poses a threat to the RSS’s ideology, the CPI(M) said.

Reiterating its unwavering support for progressive art, culture, and resistance cinema, CPI(M) called on the people of Rajasthan to denounce attacks on constitutional freedoms and unite against such cowardly attempts to suppress dissent in public spaces.