Cong follows middle path

Caught between the calling of its principles and electoral demands in the crucial state of Maharashtra, Congress is trying to position itsel...

Caught between the calling of its principles and electoral demands in the crucial state of Maharashtra, Congress is trying to position itself on the Savarkar issue so it can cater to both.

As a result, the party is set to divide its perception of the personality of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in two 8212; acknowledge him as a freedom fighter, but reject him as a Hindutva ideologue. The move comes following a realisation that the party8217;s strident rhetoric against Savarkar and total negation of his role in the freedom movement has not gone down well with the masses.

This strategy would also enable party leaders in Maharashtra, including CM Sushilkumar Shinde and state chief Prabha Rau, to reconcile praise of Savarkar with the ideological positioning of Central leaders.

Party spokesman Anand Sharma today underlined the 8216;8216;firm and consistent8217;8217; Congress rejection of Savarkar8217;s 8216;8216;divisive and bigoted ideology8217;8217;. However, when asked pointedly if Congress considered Savarkar a freedom fighter, Sharma said: 8216;8216;We don8217;t have to reject an individual8217;s participation and contribution in freedom movement.8217;8217; Questioned on the statements of Shinde and Rau, he added: 8216;8216;I don8217;t think any of them has endorsed the philosophy of Sarvarkar.8217;8217;

The new strategy will make it easier for Congress to rationalise Indira Gandhi8217;s donation of money for perpetuating the memory of Savarkar. While Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav echoed the views of Union Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar on Savarkar, the NCP and DMK are not happy with Congress8217; stance.

Sharma sought to downplay DMK chief K.Karunanidhi8217;s remarks. He said the allies had 8216;8216;complete freedom to express their views8217;8217;. 8216;8216;The decision to remove the Savarkar plaque 8230; was not taken by the Union Council of Ministers. This difference of perception does not mean conflict,8217;8217; he said.

The Congress, sources said, did not expect much damage because 8216;8216;the pro-Savarkar constituency is already with our rivals8217;8217;.