BJP promises Bharat Ratna for Savarkar in election manifesto

MAHA BATTLE Congress-NCP terms move populist

MUMBAI: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday released its manifesto for the October 21 Maharashtra assembly elections, promising that if re-elected to power, its government would recommend the names of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar and social reformers Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule for the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.

The BJP, whose promise drew criticism from opposition parties, also said it would make Maharashtra free of drought, provide 10 million jobs, homes to homeless families with safe drinking water connections, compulsory health tests for those turning 30, and internet connectivity in every home.

The party’s national working president JP Nadda released the manifesto at an auditorium in Bandra in the presence of chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, BJP’s state unit president Chandrakant Patil and Mumbai unit chief Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

“Swatantrya Veer Savarkar’s contribution to the freedom movement and to Maharashtra and the Marathi language will be recognised, and the state will recommend his names for the Bharat Ratna award,” Fadnavis said.

The BJP’s alliance partner in Maharashtra, the Shiv Sena, has demanded that the Bharat Ratna be conferred on Savarkar, and endorsed it in 2009 and 2015. It is the first time the BJP has officially acknowledged the recommendation.

Jyotiba Phule was a social reformer and anti-caste activist. He and Savitribai are also considered one of pioneers of women’s education in India.

“It is long due that we, as a state, acknowledge Veer Savarkar’s contribution to the Marathi language, to the culture of the state of Maharashtra and his ideology in essence.

Shiv Sena has been demanding this for so long. The state government will ensure it is done,” Shiv Sena spokesperson Neelam Gohre said.

The Opposition termed the announcement as a populist prepoll promise. “There is nothing more to it than using historical figures to woo voters before an election. Why didn’t BJP promise this during Lok Sabha [elections],” Sachin Sawant, the chief spokesperson of the Congress party, said. “I would like to ask BJP if even its own leaders endorse Savarkar’s views. We respect this leader, but we do not agree with his ideology, and will continue to oppose the announcement.”

Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson Nawab Malik said, “The entire manifesto is an eyewash. What comment can I make about one empty promise? We will be happy if BJP honours Jyotiba Phule and Savitribai Phule.”

“A list of 16 broad issues gives the gist of the entire manifesto. It is a very well-studied and serious document,” working president Nadda said.

Fadnavis described the manifesto as a an all-inclusive and progressive document.