Ramachandra Guha: Sangh calls them ‘deshdrohis’ but ‘cockroach’ protestors are true nationalists

According to Scroll.in, historian and author Ramachandra Guha has characterized the political climate in India as one defined by the labeling of dissenters as 'deshdrohis' or anti-nationals. Guha argues that those who protest against the current majoritarian and authoritarian trends of the Modi administration are frequently dismissed by supporters of the Sangh Parivar as members of a 'tukde-tukde gang'.

In his analysis, Guha contends that these protestors, whom he describes as being disparaged with terms like 'cockroaches', are in fact exercising their democratic rights and acting as true nationalists. He suggests that the act of questioning government policy and resisting perceived democratic backsliding is a vital component of a healthy, functioning republic.

The commentary highlights the deepening polarization within Indian civil society, where the definition of patriotism has become a central point of contention. Guha’s remarks serve as a critique of the rhetoric used by ruling party affiliates to delegitimize opposition movements, framing such dissent not as treason, but as a necessary engagement with the nation's democratic foundations.