As the flood situation in Kerala worsens and heavy rains batter the lives of people across the state, Swaminathan Gurumurthy, the newly appointed member on the board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) blamed women for the tragic situation.
In a tweet, Gurumurthy linked the Kerala floods to women’s entry in Sabarimala Temple in the southern state and asked the Supreme Court judges to rethink.
Supreme court judges may like to see if there is any connection between the case and what is happening in Sabarimala. Even if there is one in a million chance of a link people would not like the case decided against Ayyappan. https://t.co/0k1818QZGU
— S Gurumurthy (@sgurumurthy) August 17, 2018
Earlier this month, the Modi government appointed Chartered Accountant Gurumurthy, who is associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch, on the RBI board.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the RSS leader’s appointment as a non-official director on the central board of the RBI for a period of four years, an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said, PTI reported. Though the government faced flak for appointing him, the order was not reversed.
Gurumurthy’s vile statement reflects the method, style and way the RSS and its affiliates view and treat women. The fact that superstitious individuals like him are a part of the RBI’s decision making body, is a matter of shame and grave concern.
Twitterati slammed him for themisogynistic comment:
On the one side, we have humanity, volunteerism and spirit of community. On the other, we have S Gurumurthy – Learned Legal Luminary advising judges to see if floods are linked to Sabarimala women entry case 👏🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/OJHrQmCpnZ
— Manuraj S (@manuraj1983) August 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/angshukanta/status/1030714062705971200
Seriously, this man has been nominated by @PMOIndia to the @RBI after this vile statement which reeks of stupidity will make it to the cabinet https://t.co/vVPw716fQG
— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) August 18, 2018
Please keep quiet. Do not speak if you cannot help and even wisdom fails you. Much appreciate your silence here on.
— Tagore's Light (@WiselyZero) August 18, 2018