Savarkar Divides Rahul & Uddhav

The difference in opinion regarding the patriotism of VD Savarkar has again proved that the political relation between the Congress and the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray is like that of oil and water. Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav have completely different stances regarding Savarkar.

While speaking at a function in memory of tribal leader Birsa Munda in Washim, Congress leader Rahul said, “Despite the British offering him land, (Birsa Munda) refused to bow down; he chose death. We, the Congress party, consider him our idol. For the BJP and RSS, Savarkar ji, who wrote mercy petitions to the British and accepted pension, is an idol.”

Today, Rahul stuck to his point again by showing a copy of VD Savarkar’s letter seeking mercy.

Uddhav could not remain silent regarding this statement of Rahul against Savarkar. He had to clarify that his party, the Shiv Sena faction he leads had “immense respect” for VD Savarkar.

Uddhav said, “We don’t agree with what Rahul Gandhi has said. We respect Veer Savarkar”.

Both parties with different ideological views have faced similar controversies in the past.

To sidetrack this recent tussle between the Congress and his party over Savarkar, Uddhav Thackeray asked why the BJP’s central government has not conferred the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, on the late VD Savarkar.

Meanwhile, supporters of the Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held protests against Rahul Gandhi for his statement against Savarkar. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP alleged that Rahul Gandhi was “spreading distorted history” about VD Savarkar.  Fadnavis also attacked Uddhav Thackeray, saying he has no right to take Bal Thackeray’s name as Balasaheb Thackeray took Savarkar’s Hindutva ideology forward all his life.