BJP dons Savarkar caps, demands apology from RaGa
Sena protests against Rahul’s remarks
The winter session of Maharashtra assembly began on a stormy note on Monday as BJP legislators entered the house wearing saffron caps with the message ‘Mi Pan Savarkar’ (I am also Savarkar) printed on them. They raised slogans of “Mi Pan Savarkar” outside the Assembly premises. Opposition leader Devendra Fadnavis made an attempt to raise the issue, demanding an apology from Rahul Gandhi. BJP legislators displayed banners in support of Veer Savarkar and shouted slogans against Rahul Gandhi, Congress and Shiv Sena.
However, speaker Nana Patole did not entertain Fadnavis’ proposal for discussion in the house.
BJP legislators were agitated over Rahul Gandhi’s “rape in India” barb and statement that his name was Rahul Gandhi, not “Rahul Savarkar”, and that he would never apologise for speaking the truth. BJP took strong objection to it and Fadnavis demanded an “unconditional apology” from Gandhi over the remark.
The house witnessed ruckus after Patole asked for references made by Fadnavis on Savarkar to be omitted from official records. Fadnavis moved an adjournment motion, and explaining its urgency to the speaker, lauded the works and devotion of Savarkar. However, Patole asked the house officials not to note down Fadnavis’ speech.
Irked, BJP objected against Patole’s instructions, saying he should not be biased towards any freedom fighter. Patole then adjourned the house for 10 minutes.
However, Shiv Sena, NCP and Congress preferred not to counter slogan shouting by BJP.
Even though the Shiv Sena leadership has taken a conscious decision to not react to BJP’s call to choose between power and Savarkar, a section of party workers on Monday staged protest against Rahul Gandhi’s “rape in India” barb and statement that his name was Rahul Gandhi, not “Rahul Savarkar.” Sena leaders from Vile Parle shouted slogans demanding an apology from Gandhi. Shiv Sena leader Jitendra Janavle informed that he has dispatched “Majhi Jamathep’’ written by Veer Savarkar. “I hope after reading this book, Gandhi will refrain from insulting Savarkar,’’ he noted.
Janavale termed Gandhi’s remarks as ‘’childish’’ and reminded that Indira Gandhi had released a stamp in the memory of Savarkar and former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had laid the foundation stone for Savarkar memorial in Andaman.