Mumbai: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has reignited the debate surrounding the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honor, and its potential conferral upon Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Speaking at an event in Mumbai celebrating the RSS centenary, Bhagwat asserted that awarding the Bharat Ratna to Savarkar, also known as "Veer" Savarkar, would elevate the prestige of the award itself.
Bhagwat's comments have sparked immediate reactions, particularly from the Congress party, which has historically opposed the idea of bestowing the Bharat Ratna on Savarkar. The Congress has often labeled Savarkar a "traitor," citing his mercy petitions to British authorities during his imprisonment during the freedom struggle.
Bhagwat addressed the long-pending demand for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar, stating that the award's prestige would increase if conferred on him. He mentioned that he was not part of the decision-making committee but would raise the issue if given the opportunity. He further added that Savarkar already commands widespread public admiration, suggesting that the honor would be more for the award itself.
The Congress party has consistently criticized the BJP's support for honoring Savarkar. In the past, Congress spokespersons have reacted strongly to the possibility of awarding Savarkar the Bharat Ratna. In 2019, after the BJP's Maharashtra unit proposed the award, a Congress spokesperson said, "if the government considers any such thing (giving Bharat Ratna to Savarkar), than all I want to say is that God save this country". They also alluded to Savarkar's trial in the murder of Mahatma Gandhi, despite his acquittal. Another Congress leader questioned why the BJP would demand the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar and not for Godse, who was convicted and hanged for the assassination.
The demand for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar has been a recurring point of contention between the BJP and the Congress. The BJP and Shiv Sena have repeatedly supported the demand, highlighting Savarkar's contributions as a freedom fighter, writer, and social reformer. Union Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad has criticized the Congress for opposing the honor for such a "rashtra bhakta" (patriot), pointing out Savarkar's years of imprisonment and sacrifices for the country.
Conversely, it's worth noting that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, had expressed admiration for Savarkar. In a 1980 letter, she referred to him as a "remarkable son of India" and acknowledged his "daring defiance" of the British government. She also issued a commemorative stamp in Savarkar's honor in 1970 and donated to his memorial fund.
Bhagwat's statement on Sunday took place during an interaction at a program to mark the RSS's centenary. The event was attended by several prominent personalities, including actors and filmmakers. During his address, Bhagwat also touched upon the Uniform Civil Code, emphasizing the need for consensus and avoiding divisions. He also stated that there is no majority or minority community, but rather "one society" and stressed the importance of trust and dialogue with Muslim and Christian communities.