After Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), suggested that granting the Bharat Ratna award to Veer Savarkar would elevate the honor further, the BJP rallied behind this sentiment. They believe honoring Savarkar would be a proud moment for India.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut reinforced Bhagwat’s viewpoint. She stated that Savarkar’s legacy is held in high regard across the country. “If he receives the Bharat Ratna, it would be a proud moment for every Indian,” she claimed.
BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore echoed this, praising Savarkar as a great nationalist who suffered for India’s freedom. Savarkar endured severe punishment during his imprisonment in the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andamans. However, he continued his fight for freedom even after his release. “He deserves this honor,” Rathore affirmed.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma highlighted Savarkar’s commitment to the nation, stating that Savarkar devoted his life to India’s independence and should be remembered with respect.
In contrast, Opposition leaders raised concerns about awarding Savarkar the Bharat Ratna, questioning the motives behind such a push. Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh suggested that while expressing personal opinions is fine, the decision rests with the government. He criticized the BJP for diverting attention from pressing national issues.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Imran Masood questioned the reasons for honoring Savarkar. He asked, “Is it for the Two-Nation Theory or for his written apologies to the British?”
AIMIM leader Shaukat Ali vocally opposed the idea, pointing out Savarkar’s history of writing letters of apology to the British government. He raised a poignant concern about the implications of such an honor.
Notably, Samajwadi Party MLA Sachin Yadav advocated for honoring those who truly contributed to the freedom struggle, cautioning against forgetting others who played significant roles.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas strongly opposed the notion, labeling it a divisive act. He emphasized that Savarkar is often remembered not for his contributions to freedom but for his divisive politics.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari argued that national awards have become politicized under the current government. He cited evidence that previous award lists have skewed towards states where elections took place, suggesting that political motivations are at play.
Priyanka Chaturvedi from Shiv Sena (UBT) noted that her party has long advocated for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar but accused the BJP of exploiting his name for political gain, stating, “Their words and actions do not match.”
This debate around Savarkar and the Bharat Ratna reflects deeper sentiments about nationalism, identity, and the historical narrative of India. As discussions continue, public opinion remains mixed, highlighting a landscape where historical legacies are reassessed and political motivations scrutinized.
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Veer Savarkar, Bharat Ratna, BJP, RSS, political controversy
