‘When you make such irresponsible statement, you end up with such strictures’: Devendra Fadnavis to Rahul Gandhi

The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the trial court’s order issuing summons to Rahul Gandhi for his controversial remarks against Veer Savarkar. However, SC issued a stern warning to Rahul Gandhi not to make derogatory remarks against freedom fighters in future.

The defamation case goes back to Rahul remarks on Savarkar during his Bharat Jodo Yatra on November 17, 2022. At a rally in Akola, Rahul allegedly referred to Veer Savarkar as a British servant who sought pension from the colonial government.

While restraining Rahul from doing such things again, the court pointing to his lawyer observed, “Does your client know that his grandmother as PM had sent a letter praising the gentleman. So, let’s not make irresponsible statements about freedom fighters….. This is not how you treat freedom fighters….” It also pointed out, ” You are a political leader. If it was not your intent to incite or hurt why make such statements…”

Referring to these SC observations, the Maharashtra CM said, “Finally, Rahul Gandhi got the befitting reply. We hope he will not disregard Veer Savarkar or any freedom fighter future.”

The controversial remark by Gandhi had landed Congress and its alliance partners in trouble in the past. Officially, both Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) led by Sharad Pawar have distanced themselves from Savarkar controversy. Both Thackeray and Pawar had repeatedly maintained they hold Savarkar in highest esteem.

Yet, during the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, BJP and its alliance partners Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde often cited the anti-Savarkar stand of Rahul Gandhi to embarrass Congress.