AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a blistering attack on the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh following the Sangh chief's suggestion that VD Savarkar be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, accusing the Sangh of prioritising those who apologised to the British over true revolutionaries. Invoking Maulvi Allauddin, the Imam of Hyderabad's Makkah Masjid who died in the Andaman Cellular Jail after revolting against the British in 1857, Owaisi starkly contrasted him with Savarkar, whom he accused of submitting multiple mercy petitions. The AIMIM leader warned that if this trend continues, the BJP might eventually confer the highest civilian award on Nathuram Godse.
Owaisi's sharp rebuttal came immediately after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat argued that honouring Savarkar would actually increase the prestige of the Bharat Ratna itself. Speaking at a lecture series, Bhagwat claimed that while he is not on the decision-making committee, he would push for the award if given the chance, noting that Savarkar is already revered by millions. This demand was echoed by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Madan Rathore. He suggested that critics simply have not read enough history and highlighted Savarkar's immense suffering and dedication to the country.
The proposal has initiated a larger political cause for concern; even within the INDIA bloc, there is dissent regarding this suggestion. Congress MP Manickam Tagore condemned this proposal as an "insult" to the award itself and also to the sacrifices made by freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and BR Ambedkar who did not apologise to British officials for their actions. On the other hand, the Shiv Sena (UBT), a member of the INDIA bloc along with Congress, and who has shared an opinion with the RSS, have also come to a common conclusion that it is puzzling why the BJP-led government has not already handed out this award. Therefore, he (MP Sanjay Raut) will be requesting that Mohan Bhagwat take this issue up directly with Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah.
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