Mon Jul 14 06:08:24 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

K.C. Venugopal, AICC General Secretary, strongly criticized Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar for defending an incident where school students washed the feet of certain individuals, including a BJP district secretary. Venugopal called the Governor’s justification a disgrace to Kerala’s dignity, highlighting the state’s history of social reform led by figures like Sree Narayana Guru. He accused the Governor of pushing a “fascist agenda.” Venugopal also questioned the President’s nomination of a BJP leader to the Rajya Sabha, arguing it bypassed established norms and undermined democratic values.

**News Article:**

**Congress Leader Condemns Kerala Governor’s Defense of Feet-Washing Incident, Questions Rajya Sabha Nomination**

**PALAKKAD (July 14, 2025)** – K.C. Venugopal, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary, has launched a scathing attack on Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar for his defense of an incident involving school students washing the feet of several individuals, including a BJP district secretary.

“The Governor’s justification of this act is a blot on Kerala’s dignity,” Venugopal stated. He argued that the Governor’s stance disregards Kerala’s rich history of social reform led by progressive thinkers such as Sree Narayana Guru, Chattampi Swamikal, and Mahatma Ayyankali. “Mr. Arlekar’s actions are pushing Kerala back into darkness.” Venugopal added, emphasizing that Keralites would not accept the notion that forcing children to wash feet is part of their cultural heritage.

Venugopal further accused the Governor of attempting to impose a “fascist agenda” on the state. “The Governor’s actions are a stark reminder of his fascist leanings. He must recognise the gravity of his role. It is reprehensible that he is trying to push Kerala backward,” he asserted.

Beyond the feet-washing controversy, Venugopal also questioned the recent Presidential nomination of BJP leader C. Sadanandan to the Rajya Sabha. He suggested the move bypassed conventional procedures and undermined India’s democratic principles. He questioned why the BJP didn’t nominate Sadanandan directly, rather than through the President’s office, and what message this sends to the nation. The Congress leader contrasted this nomination with past nominations of distinguished figures like M.S. Swaminathan.

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