Rahul Gandhi’s remarks have sparked a political row in Maharashtra. All parties have condemned his statement against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who is seen as a freedom fighter in the state. BJP and Shiv Sena are demanding an apology from the Congress leader.
At a press conference, when asked about the BJP’s repeated calls for an apology over his speech in London, Rahul Gandhi responded, “My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi. Gandhis don’t apologize to anyone,”My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi. Gandhis don’t apologize to anyone”.
On Monday, the Maharashtra unit of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest in front of the Shivaji statue in Parliament against the comments made by Rahul Gandhi on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The demonstration was a response to Gandhi’s statement, which was made a while ago. The MPs raised slogans against the Congress leader and expressed their anger and disapproval.
After the remarks of Rahul Gandhi Maharasthra CM and Shiv Sena leader Eknatch Shinde stated that, “Savarkar is not only Maharashtra’s deity but is an idol for the whole country and Rahul Gandhi has defamed him. Any criticism of Rahul Gandhi will be lesser for his deed. Today also, he said that I am not Savarkar who will apologize. What does he think of Savarkar? He must be punished for this.”
Uddhav Thackeray condemned the remarks of his ally in the state, saying there will be ‘cracks’ in Opposition unity if Rahul Gandhi continues to ‘demean’ Savarkar.
“Savarkar suffered unimaginable torture in the Andaman cellular jail for 14 years. We can only read the sufferings. It is a form of sacrifice. We will not tolerate the insult of Savarkar,” as said by Uddhav Thackeray.
Thackeray added,”The alliance of the Uddhav faction, Congress, and NCP was made to protect democracy and we need to work unitedly. Rahul Gandhi is being provoked deliberately but if we waste time in this, democracy will cease to exist”.
Sanjay Raut has shown disapproval of Congress leader’s statement and plans to discuss it with Rahul Gandhi.
The party is currently trying to balance its stand on the issue by maintaining its core Hindutva ideology while not straining its ties with the MVA coalition.
VD Savarkar’s family has responded critically to Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments, challenging him to present evidence that MR. Savarkar apologized. His grandson has been particularly outspoken in his criticism, calling Gandhi’s assertions into question.
READ ALSO:
Amit Shah Announces Start of Congress Dismantling Under Rahul’s Leadership
TN Politicians Voice Displeasure Over Rahul Gandhi’s Disqualification
