Shiv Sena slams BJP on 'false' concern for Savarkar, questions Centre on Bharat Ratna

A day after Maharashtra government refused to accept BJP’s demand to table a resolution houring freedom fighter Veer Savarkar, Shiv Sena slammed BJP’s “false concern”. In Thursday’s Saamana editorial, Sena MP Sanjay Raut opined that Savarkar had become an issue of politics for BJP. Moreover, he questioned BJP on why Centre had t anunced Bharat Ratna for Savarkar.  

Sanjay Raut stated, “Maharashtra BJP leaders have declared that we will corner government on issue of Veer Savarkar. Savarkar has w become a matter of politics for BJP rar than an issue of respect or faith. Veer Savarkar is t just for discussion but is a matter of action and living. Instead of cornering Maharashtra government, likes of Fadnavis, Mungantiwar, Shelar should raise questions about wher Central government has houred Savarkar. Why did Modi government t anunce  Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar on last Republic Day?” 

Read: Maha Assembly Speaker Rejects BJP's Demand To Move Resolution Houring Veer Savarkar

'BJP’s concern for Savarkar is false' 

Ackwledging Savarkar’s contribution, Raut cast aspersions over role of BJP and RSS in freedom struggle. He alleged that RSS refused to unfurl Indian flag for a number of years after Independence. Furrmore, Raut contended that BJP was merely using Savarkar as a shield to propagate new nationalism.  

He added, “Veer Savarkar had a huge contribution in freedom struggle, but what was contribution of BJP and Sangh Parivar? RSS did t accept  independence day in 1947 and did t unfurl Indian flag at RSS Headquarters. organizations which call m nationalist were t ready to unfurl national flag till 2002. BJP is playing politics of new nationalism by using Savarkar as a shield. y are under a false illusion if y think that Shiv Sena is in a fix. BJP’s concern for Savarkar is false.”  

Read: With Sena Under Fire Over Stance On Savarkar, MNS Organises Seminar On 'Swatantryaveer'

Shiv Sena's dilemma over Savarkar

Despite Shiv Sena's traditional support for Savarkar, it was perceived to have moved away from its Hindutva stance owing to compulsions of its alliance with NCP and Congress. ideological dilemma for Sena came to fore when former Congress President Rahul Gandhi made an insulting reference to Veer Savarkar. While Sanjay Raut indirectly hit back at Congress, Uddhav Thackeray refrained from commenting on Gandhi's remark. On February 13, Fadnavis once again questioned Sena on its position pertaining to insulting articles about Savarkar appearing in 'Shidori'. 

Read: Congress Responds To Savarkar's Kin's Rs 100 Crore Defamation Suit Over 'Maafiveer' Jibe

Read: Fadnavis Demands Shutdown Of Congress Magazine Shidori After It Dubs Savarkar 'Maafiveer'