Rahul Gandhi’s Savarkar barb draws ire from Maha CM Eknath Shinde

Last updated Mar 25, 2023 7

Guwahati: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made some contentious comments about Vinayak Damodar, also known as Veer Savarkar, which led to a significant uproar and the wrath of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on March 25.

The new government of Eknath Shinde immediately condemned any remarks made about Savarkar, stating that the Hindutva icon should not be offended.

“Savarkar is not only Maharashtra’s deity but is an idol for the whole country and Rahul Gandhi has defamed him. Any criticism of Rahul Gandhi will be lesser for his this deed. Today also, he said that I am not Savarkar who will apologise. What does he think of Savarkar? He must be punished for this,” said Maha CM Eknath Shinde in Assembly.

Further, Shinde alleged that Rahul Gandhi has been suspended by the law which was made by Congress itself. Lalu Yadav and several others were disqualified but nothing of this sort happened then, “Wasn’t Democracy in danger then,” asked Shinde

“Rahul Gandhi has not only criticised PM Modi but has defamed the entire OBC community. He is continuing to speak in the same tone and I want to tell him that if he continues to do so, it will be difficult for him to walk on the road,” added the Maha chief minister.

A day after being disqualified as Lok Sabha MP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a press conference on March 25 over his UK, PM Modi surname remarks and whether he should seek an apology to which he said, “My name is not Savarkar. My name is Gandhi. Gandhi kisi se maafi nahi maangta (Gandhi does not make apologies to anyone)”.

The former Wayanad MP said that he can see fear in the eyes of PM Modi and that he is not afraid about being disqualified for life or being jailed. “I will keep doing my work. Will continue to fight for my country. Will keep questioning PM Modi and Adani’s ties. I will continue to fight for truth which has now become my ultimate goal and my life motto”, said the leader.

His exclusion was the consequence of a defamation case in which he was convicted and given a prison term for making a comment in 2019 that implied Prime Minister Modi was a felon. Rahul Gandhi’s Wayanad seat is currently vacant as a result of his disqualification. Bail has been granted, and his sentence has been deferred for 30 days so that he can appeal his conviction.