RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Bharat Ratna Remark on Veer Savarkar Ignites National Debate

Mohan Bhagwat’s comments at an RSS conclave in Worli have reignited a fierce national debate over the potential conferment of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, on Veer Savarkar. The question was posed to Bhagwat by a correspondent at the two-day RSS centenary conclave held at the Nehru Centre, Worli.

In his response, Bhagwat stated that he was not part of the committee that decides the award but emphasized that conferring the Bharat Ratna on Savarkar would significantly enhance the award's prestige. He added that even without the top honor, Savarkar's legacy remains strong both in India and abroad. His remarks were met with resounding applause from the 900-strong audience, which included prominent figures from Mumbai.

Sources within the RSS suggested that Bhagwat's response was a direct hint to the Modi government to expedite the award process. They noted that Prime Minister Modi is a big admirer of Savarkar and had recently inaugurated his statue at the Andaman Islands alongside Bhagwat. The delay in conferring the award, especially in light of the government's decision to honor leaders like Pranab Mukherji and Karpoori Thakur, has been seen as unjustified.

The BJP quickly endorsed Bhagwat's stance, stating that it would be a proud moment for the nation. BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, speaking outside Parliament, expressed that Bhagwat's sentiments reflect those of the Indian people. She emphasized that Savarkar's stature is above the Bharat Ratna, and awarding him would be a proud moment for every Indian.

President of the Rajasthan unit of the BJP, Madan Rathore, and party MP Dinesh Sharma also supported Bhagwat's viewpoint. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi echoed similar sentiments, noting that her party has long been advocating for this recognition.

However, the opposition, particularly the Congress party, sharply opposed the move. Congress MP Imran Masood argued that there was no basis for awarding the Bharat Ratna to Savarkar. AIMIM leader Shaukat Ali pointed out that Savarkar had written an apology letter to the British. John Brittas of the CPI(M) warned that the proposal would mark an unfortunate chapter in Indian history, labeling it as divisive.

The debate over Savarkar's recognition with the Bharat Ratna continues to polarize political opinions, reflecting the deep-seated historical and ideological divides within the country.