'BJP using Savarkar as shield for neo-nationalism politics': Sena

Shiv Sena on Thursday accused BJP of using Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar as a "shield" to play politics of neo-nationalism.

Terming BJP's love for Savarkar as "fake", Sena said that instead of targeting Maharashtra government, state BJP leaders should ask why party-ruled Centre has failed to hour freedom fighter so far.

It also said that if BJP thought that it could corner Sena over issue of Savarkar, n it was mistaken.

" BJP leaders in Maharashtra declared that y would target (state) government on issue of Veer Savarkar. This makes it clear that Savarkar is t a subject of respect or faith for BJP, but just a political issue," Sena said in its editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.

"Veer Savarkar is t merely a subject of discussion, but he should be practised in life. Savarkar's life symbolised sacrifice, principles, radiance and struggle," it added.

"Everyone paid respects to Savarkar on his death anniversary (observed on Wednesday). But those who pretend to remember Savarkar, have y really understood him? BJP says it will corner government on issue of Savarkar. But those who mselves are cornered, should t talk about cornering ors," Uddhav Thackeray-led party said.

Instead of targeting Maharashtra government, wher BJP-ruled Centre has houred Savarkar is question that BJP leaders in state should ask, it added.

"Why didn't Centre confer Bharat Ratna on Savarkar on Republic Day? Will neo-fans of Savarkar throw some light on it? Demand for passing a resolution in Maharashtra Assembly in hour of Savarkar if fine.

"But what happened to letters sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in which he sought Bharat Ratna for Savarkar? Centre did t even take te of letters. This is an insult of Maharashtra and Veer Savarkar," Sena said.

After his release from Andaman (Cellular Jail), Savarkar devoted his life to social work in Ratnagiri.

"Political leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and RSS founder Hedgewar, met him. Gandhiji sought his cooperation for eradication of untouchability and propagation of Swadeshi," it added.

"Savarkar had a huge contribution in freedom struggle. But where was BJP or n 'Sangh Parivar' during that movement? RSS did t even recognise national flag. Those who insult national flag are called traitors," saffron party said.

"Sardar Patel had imposed a ban on RSS twice. While lifting ban both times Patel set condition that it has to accept tricolour as a national flag. Golwalka Guruji (of RSS) accepted this condition, but "records" say that Sangh did t keep its word till 2002.

" organisations which call mselves nationalist, were t ready to hoist tricolour till 2002. Saffron flag is also symbol of Shiv Sena, but along with that flag, tricolour is also hoisted. This is our nationalism," party added.

" BJP is playing politics of neo-nationalism by using Swatantryaveer Savarkar as a 'shield'. If y think Shiv Sena will be caught in a tight spot, n y are mistaken. Sena won't be caught in a dilemma. Instead, those who are pretending will be hit. ir love for Savarkar is all fake," it said.

BJP's demand for a state government resolution houring Savarkar for his contribution to Independence struggle did t find support in both Houses of Maharashtra Legislature on Wednesday.

While Assembly Speaker Nana Patole rejected BJP's demand, triggering protest from its leaders, in Legislative Council, Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe refused to entertain saffron party's move as she adjourned House when a BJP leader stood up to speak about it.