This is an archive article published on November 17, 2022
Respect and love Savarkar, don’t agree with Rahul Gandhi’s remarks: Uddhav Thackeray
Uddhav Thackeray stated the RSS was not part of India's freedom movement and questioned the BJP why Savarkar was not awarded Bharat Ratna at a time when it speaks so much about him.
Two days after Rahul Gandhi criticised Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar during Bharat Jodo Yatra and sparked controversy, Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray Thursday said he does not support the Congress leader’s remarks as he respects Savarkar.
Thackeray, however, said Shiv Sena supports Gandhi’s yatra for the sake of freedom in the country. He also indicated that he may not join the rally at Shegaon organised by the Congress as a part of the yatra. The Congress had invited Thackeray as well as Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar.
The Sena chief, meanwhile, hit out at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stating that the RSS was not part of India’s freedom movement and questioned the BJP why Savarkar was not awarded Bharat Ratna at a time when it speaks so much about him and freedom fighters.
“We do not agree with what Rahul Gandhi said about Veer Savarkar. We respect and love Savarkar. But before questioning us over freedom fighters and Savarkar, you (BJP) should tell us first what was the RSS’s role and contribution in the freedom fight. We were not there during the freedom fight, but the RSS was there. The organisation had no role in the freedom fight,” Thackeray said, adding that the BJP had no right to speak about Savarkar and reminded it that it had joined hands with People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir to form the government.
“The PM has all the rights to award Bharat Ratna, when you speak so much about Savarkar, why have you not given Bharat Ratna to Savarkar yet?” Thackeray asked.
Comparing the martyrdom of tribal leader Birsa Munda with the life of Savarkar, Gandhi Tuesday said that while the latter, who is an idol of the BJP and the RSS, wrote mercy petitions to the British, Congress idolises Munda, who faced death without losing his pride.
Gandhi’s comment invited the wrath of the BJP and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction of Shiv Sena.
On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP hit out at Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray for joining Bharat Jodo Yatra at a time when Gandhi was allegedly bad-mouthing Savarkar.
Rahul Shewale, MP from the Shinde faction, demanded Wednesday that Bharat Jodo Yatra should be stopped in Maharashtra itself for Gandhi’s “objectionable comments” against Savarkar.
Shewale said, “as Bal Thackeray had started ‘Jode Maro Andolan’ (beat up with shoes) against Congress’s Mani Shankar Iyer over his comments against Savarkar, I appeal that similar protests should start against Rahul and his yatra stopped in the state”.
Shewale made the demand to Shinde and Fadnavis at a lecture series at Dadar’s Veer Savarkar Memorial hall in Dadar on the eve of Bal Thackeray’s death anniversary.
Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.
Expertise & Authority
Current Role: Senior Correspondent, The Indian Express, Mumbai bureau.
Geographical Specialization: Provides exclusive and detailed coverage of Maharashtra politics and governance, operating at the epicenter of the state's decision-making in Mumbai.
Core Authority: His reporting demonstrates deep Expertise across critical and often complex state matters, including:
Political Dynamics: In-depth analysis of the ruling coalition (Mahayuti) and opposition (MVA), internal party conflicts, and crucial election updates, including local body polls and municipal corporation tussles.
Governance & Policy: Focused coverage on significant state policies, such as the overhaul of Mumbai's 'pagdi system' (rent control for old buildings) and social welfare schemes (e.g., Ladki Bahin Yojana accountability).
Infrastructure & Development: Reports on major urban and regional infrastructure projects, including the Mumbai Water Metro, Uttan-Virar Sea Link, and Thane Metro development.
Administrative Oversight: Follows legislative actions, cabinet decisions, and reports on issues of accountability and alleged fraud within state departments.
Experience
Current Role: His role at The Indian Express—a leading national daily—validates the credibility and standard of his reporting.
Career Foundation: Prior to The Indian Express, Vallabh contributed to other major metropolitan news outlets, including the Mumbai Mirror and DNA - Daily News & Analysis, providing a solid foundation in rigorous urban and political journalism.
Evidence of Impact: His work consistently breaks down complex political developments and administrative failures, such as exposing discrepancies in government welfare schemes, cementing his reputation as a trusted source for ground-level, impactful news from Maharashtra.
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