MASSIVE | Modi govt answers on Bharat Ratna for Savarkar: No formal recommendation needed

In a major development, the union Government on Tuesday responded on an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on a potential Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar. In response to four questions asked by house member Gopal Chinnaya Shetty about proposal of Bharat Ratna to Savarkar, the government in its written reply said that recommendations for award of Bharat Ratna are received regularly from various quarters, however, no formal recommendations for this award are necessary. The government also said that decisions regarding the Bharat Ratna are taken from time to time. 

Here is the full response from the Ministry of Home Affairs: 

Earlier, Ranjeet Savarkar, the grandson of Veer Savarkar, amid the ongoing power tussle in Maharashtra, said that Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray would ensure that his forefather would get the Bharat Ratna. He added that he would ensure this even if the Sena would get into an alliance with the NCP-Congress. Speaking to news agency ANI, Ranjeet Savarkar said, "I'm confident that Uddhav Thackeray will never change his stand on Hindutva and Veer Savarkar. I think he will still try to defend him tooth and nail if Congress tries to attack him." 

READ: Savarkar's grandson confident of Bharat Ratna amid possible Sena-NCP-Cong tie-up

BJP's poll promise in Maharashtra 

Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, BJP in its manifesto had pitched for honouring Savarkar with the Bharat Ratna.  Under its manifesto section 'State's identity, proud heritage' - the BJP made the poll promise of honouring Veer Savarkar, Savitribai Phule, and Jyotiba Phule with the award. 

READ: Kailash Vijayvargiya supports BJP on Bharat Ratna to Savarkar pitch

About Veer Savarkar

Veer Savarkar was an Indian Independence fighter, politician, lawyer who is credited with being a formulator of the 'Hindutva' philosophy. He founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, which wrote extensively on the Indian Independence movement. He was later arrested and sentenced for revolutionary activities to two life terms of imprisonment totalling 50 years and was moved to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was later released in 1921.

READ: BJP seeks Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar in Maharashtra manifesto