Kamala Harris's tweet on Indian grandfather stirs controversy
What's the story
United States Vice President Kamala Harris's recent social media post, honoring her maternal grandparents on National Grandparents Day, has sparked a controversy. In her post, Harris claimed that her grandfather PV Gopalan had been part of India's independence movement. This comment was met with skepticism by netizens who questioned how a serving bureaucrat could oppose the government and violate service rules.
Online skepticism
Harris's tribute to grandparents
In her post, Harris shared an old family photo and wrote about her grandfather's morning walks in India, where he discussed the importance of fighting for equality and corruption. "He was a retired civil servant who had been part of the movement to win India's independence," she said. However, social media users were quick to point out that Gopalan had been a member of the British Imperial Secretariat Service, which later became the Central Secretariat Service after India's independence.
Twitter Post
Read Harris's post here
As a young girl visiting my grandparents in India, my grandfather took me on his morning walks, where he would discuss the importance of fighting for equality and fighting corruption. He was a retired civil servant who had been part of the movement to win India’s independence.… pic.twitter.com/vOpgtsomQN
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) September 8, 2024
Gopalan's career
Harris's grandfather served both Indian and British governments
Gopalan, Harris's maternal grandfather, served under both the Indian government post-independence and the British administration during colonial rule. He is known for assisting refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in relocating to India. He also acted as an advisor to Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia. His wife Rajam Gopalan was recognized for her social work in Zambia.
Family background
Harris's family history
Harris has often referred to Gopalan as one of the "original independence fighters in India." However, records show that he was a conscientious civil servant. Gopalan's son, and Harris's uncle, G Balachandran, suggested that his father might have faced dismissal if he had openly advocated for an end to British rule. The controversy comes as Harris prepares for a highly anticipated debate with GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump on September 10.