Shiv Sena takes an indirect jibe at Cong over Savarkar, gives 72-hours Andaman challenge

On Sunday, Shiv Sena took an indirect dig at its ally Congress for painting freedom fighter Veer Savarkar in a poor light. Writing in his ‘Rokthok’ column in Saamana, Sena MP Sanjay Raut dared those accusing Savarkar of apologising to British to spend even 72 hours in Andaman prison. Contending that it had become a fashion for those having contribution in freedom struggle to question Savarkar, he claimed that even Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Nehru had t gone through torment faced by likes of Savarkar. In column, he recalled Savarkar’s work after coming back to India.  

Read: WATCH: Maharashtra BJP MLAs Wear 'I Am Savarkar' Caps Ahead Of Assembly Winter Session

Raut wrote, “People who have contribution in freedom struggle and formation of country have put Savarkar in dock. This has become a fashion w. re is a controversy over Savarkar once again. Questions have also been raised over participation of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Nehru in freedom struggle, but torture and torment faced by likes of Savarkar and or freedom fighters was never faced by Gandhi, Nehru, Bose, Sardar Patel, and ors. Some freedom fighters like Savarkar went to gallows in Andaman prison every day for 14 years.”  He added, “Savarkar stayed in Andaman prison for 14 years. people who criticise him for apologising should dare to stay in that place for 72 hours.” 

Read: Devendra Fadnavis: We Will t Let Savarkar Issue Go Unless Rahul Gandhi Apologizes

controversy over Veer Savarkar

recent controversy over Savarkar can be traced to former Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s statement at Bharat Bachao rally where he remarked that he was t ‘Rahul Savarkar’ to apologise for his ‘Rape in India’ remark. It was a reference to Savarkar's alleged apology to British seeking an early release from prison. This evoked a series of reactions from BJP leaders, especially in Maharashtra. Former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called upon Rahul Gandhi to tender an apology. Sena too came under onslaught as it had demanded Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar in past. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray refused to comment on Gandhi’s remark. However, he maintained that his party would continue to have same stance on Savarkar.  

Read: Uddhav Thackeray Maintains Silence On Savarkar; Harps On 'atmosphere Of Fear And Terror'

On December 16, wearing a 'I am Savarkar' cap, Fadnavis remarked, "I'm stunned that Chief Minister and or Shiv Sena MLAs also did t speak a word on this. hunger for power has made m keep quiet and this is an insult to Savarkar. We will t let this go unless Rahul Gandhi apologises for his statement."

Read: Even As Cong Backs Rahul Gandhi's Savarkar Remark, Here Is What Indira Gandhi Had To Say