Sanjay Raut gets unusual support from opponent Athawale after Sena snubs him over Savarkar

Backing Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut's statement where he said that those insulting Savarkar should be jailed, Union Minister and RPI chief Ramdas Athawale has said that re can be ideological differences over Savarkar's views but he immensely contributed to freedom struggle. Speaking to ANI on Saturday, Athawale claimed that Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra is on verge of a "conflict". 

Athawale's statement comes at a time when Sena leader and MLA Aaditya Thackeray distanced from Raut's comment on Savarkar. Athawale said, "I think Sanjay Raut's comment is correct. re can be ideological differences over Savarkar's views but he immensely contributed to freedom struggle. People in large numbers visit jail in Andaman and Nicobar islands where Savarkar Ji was kept."

Wher he should be given Bharat Ratna or , that's government's responsibility but re is a need to keep ideological differences aside and realise his contribution. I completely agree with Sanjay Raut's statement but n Congress and NCP are opposing him. All three parties - Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP are on verge of a conflict." 

Aaditya Thackeray distances from Raut

When asked to comment on Raut's Savarkar remark, he said "I have t listened to his statement in what capacity he said this. He has already given justification for his statement. re may be different views but this is democracy. re should t be controversy." Thackeray also said that  focus must be on current situation and t on past.

"re should t be controversy. Bharat Ratna can be given by BJP at Centre. Let's t talk about past. Instead, unemployment, low GDP are things we should talk about. All those who fought for independence of country are Ratnas (jewel), we w need to think wher country is actually running for peace and prosperity," Aaditya Thackeray said, seemingly washing Sena's hands off Veer Savarkar Bharat Ratna push.

READ | Aaditya Thackeray distances from Raut, unsure of capacity in which he made Savarkar remark

READ | 'y need to keep Uddhav happy': Ramdas Athawale confirms Maha ministers unhappy

Athawale backs 2-child policy

RPI chief also supported RSS chief's Mohan Bhagwat's view on two-child policy. Athawale said, "I believe that if we want to develop nation, provide good education, proper food to our children, n having four, five, six, seven, or eight children in a family is t a good thing. I think proper family planning is required and I think re is a law in Maharashtra and in or states of nation too, re is a law. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about population control and its benefits from Red Fort during his Independence Day speech."

READ | 'Govt like an autorickshaw, won't last long': Athawale opines on Maha Vikas Aghadi

READ | 'Let's t talk about past': Aaditya Thackeray washes Shiv Sena's hands off Veer Savarkar