Nagpur: BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule vehemently denounced the Congress-led Karnataka government for its decision to remove Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's portrait from the state assembly. He characterised the move as a ‘disrespectful act' that dishonours the legacy of India's freedom movement and accused Congress of harbouring an anti-national agenda.
In a post on social media platform X, Bawankule voiced his indignation, calling the act a calculated attempt to undermine the sacrifices of the noted freedom fighter, who endured severe hardships for India's independence. "The removal of Savarkar's portrait is not just an insult to his contributions but also an affront to the nation's freedom struggle. Congress is exposing its true colours by aligning with forces that devalue our national heroes," he said.
The BJP leader proceeded to criticise Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, accusing him of abandoning Savarkar's ideology for political gains and maintaining silence on this issue to preserve his alliance with the grand old party in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
"Will Uddhav Thackeray condemn this shameful act, or will he, as usual, remain silent? By forming an alliance with Congress, he has betrayed the ideals of Savarkar. It's no surprise they are now being referred to as the 'Tipu Sena'," he remarked, referencing Congress's controversial celebration of Tipu Sultan's legacy.
Tipu Sultan, the 18th-century ruler of Mysuru, who perished in a battle against the British in 1799, is a polarising figure who is lauded as a fearless freedom fighter by his supporters, whilst his detractors condemn him as a zealot who persecuted Hindus.
Bawankule emphasised that the noted Hindutva ideologue's ideas and legacy are timeless and cannot be erased by political manoeuvres. He asserted that Congress would be held accountable by history for its repeated attempts to diminish Savarkar's contributions.