While some mourned a revolutionary’s death, most celebrated the demise of a despot
Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary leader who built a communist state at the doorstep of the United States (US) and for five decades defied US’ efforts to topple him, died on Friday at the age of 90, state-run Cuban Television said.
The bearded leader took power in a 1959 revolution and ruled Cuba for 49 years with a mix of charisma and iron will, creating a one-party state and becoming a central figure in the Cold War. He was demonised by the US and its allies but admired by many leftists around the world, especially socialist revolutionaries in Latin America and Africa. Transforming Cuba from a playground for rich Americans into a symbol of resistance to Washington, Castro outlasted nine US presidents in power.
Castro was famous for long, fist-pounding speeches filled with blistering rhetoric, often aimed at the United States. At home, he swept away capitalism and won support for bringing schools and hospitals to the poor. But he also created legions of enemies and critics, concentrated among Cuban exiles in Miami who fled his rule and saw him as a ruthless tyrant. In the end it was not the efforts of Washington and Cuban exiles nor the collapse of Soviet communism that ended his rule. Instead, illness forced him to cede power to his younger brother Raul Castro, provisionally in 2006 and definitively in 2008. Fidel’s death—which would once have thrown a question mark over Cuba’s future, seems unlikely to trigger a crisis as Raul, 85, is firmly ensconced in power.
As expected for a leader mired in controversy, Fidel Castro’s death has sparked fierce debate on Twitter, with some celebrating the death of a tyrant, while others mourned the loss of a revolutionary idol. Both Indian President Pranab Mukherjee as well as Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express their sympathies. “Heartfelt condolences on the demise of Cuba’s revolutionary leader, former President and friend of India, Fidel Castro,” the President said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Modi wrote, “I extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Cuba on the demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace. We stand in support with the Cuban Government and people in this tragic hour. Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend.” Even Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah piped up saying, “My condolences. He built a modern and socialistic [sic] Cuba against great odds.”
Some Twitter users were not pleased by the remarks. “[He] murdered thousands and displaced millions, yes praise him some more!” wrote @Deplorable_Pel. “No offense,” said @TFerrandino, “But...why would you guys have been friends with that dictator?” Another, @AnaMyID, wrote, “Cuban Americans and political prisoners still rotting in Cuban jails might feel differently.”
Indeed, Twitteratti around the world seemed to largely celebrate the leader’s death. “The one nice thing about Fidel Castro living a long life is that he got to see communism fail everywhere,” wrote John Henke, while another, Jarrod Bolin, said, “Fidel Castro imprisoned people for political reasons. He made ‘unauthorised news’ a crime. I won’t venerate him.” Tim young added, “Fidel Castro died... which marks the first time since the revolution that he’s done something to make Cubans happy.”
—With Agency Inputs
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