BJP using Savarkar as shield for neo-nationalism politics Sena

    Mumbai, Feb 27 (PTI) The Shiv Sena on Thursday accused
the BJP of using Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar as a
"shield" to play the politics of neo-nationalism.
    Terming the BJP's love for Savarkar as "fake", the
Sena said that instead of targeting the Maharashtra
government, the state BJP leaders should ask why the party-
ruled Centre has failed to honour the freedom fighter so far.
    It also said that if the BJP thought that it could
corner the Sena over the issue of Savarkar, then it was
mistaken.
    "The BJP leaders in Maharashtra declared that they
would target the (state) government on the issue of Veer
Savarkar. This makes it clear that Savarkar is not a subject
of respect or faith for the BJP, but just a political issue,"
the Sena said in its editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
    "Veer Savarkar is not merely a subject of discussion,
but he should be practised in life. Savarkar's life symbolised
sacrifice, principles, radiance and struggle," it added.
    "Everyone paid respects to Savarkar on his death
anniversary (observed on Wednesday). But those who pretend to
remember Savarkar, have they really understood him? BJP says
it will corner the government on the issue of Savarkar. But
those who themselves are cornered, should not talk about
cornering others," the Uddhav Thackeray-led party said.
    Instead of targeting the Maharashtra government,
whether the BJP-ruled Centre has honoured Savarkar is the
question that the BJP leaders in the state should ask, it
added.
    "Why didn't the Centre confer Bharat Ratna on Savarkar
on the Republic Day? Will the neo-fans of Savarkar throw some
light on it? Demand for passing a resolution in Maharashtra
Assembly in honour of Savarkar if fine.
    "But what happened to the letters sent to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi by former chief minister Devendra
Fadnavis in which he sought Bharat Ratna for Savarkar? The
Centre did not even take note of the letters. This is an
insult of Maharashtra and Veer Savarkar," the Sena said.
    After his release from Andaman (Cellular Jail),
Savarkar devoted his life to social work in Ratnagiri.
    "Political leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and RSS
founder Hedgewar, met him. Gandhiji sought his cooperation for
eradication of untouchability and propagation of Swadeshi," it
added.
    "Savarkar had a huge contribution in the freedom
struggle. But where was the BJP or the then 'Sangh Parivar'
during that movement? The RSS did not even recognise the
national flag. Those who insult the national flag are called
traitors," the saffron party said.
    "Sardar Patel had imposed a ban on RSS twice. While
lifting the ban both the times Patel set the condition that it
has to accept the tricolour as a national flag. Golwalkar
Guruji (of RSS) accepted this condition, but "records" say
that the Sangh did not keep its word till 2002.
    "The organisations which call themselves nationalist,
were not ready to hoist the tricolour till 2002. Saffron flag
is also the symbol of Shiv Sena, but along with that flag, the
tricolour is also hoisted. This is our nationalism," the party
added.
    "The BJP is playing the politics of neo-nationalism by
using Swatantryaveer Savarkar as a 'shield'. If they think the
Shiv Sena will be caught in a tight spot, then they are
mistaken. Sena won't be caught in a dilemma. Instead, those
who are pretending will be hit. Their love for Savarkar is all
fake," it said.
    BJP's demand for a state government resolution
honouring Savarkar for his contribution to the Independence
struggle did not find support in both Houses of the
Maharashtra Legislature on Wednesday.
    While Assembly Speaker Nana Patole rejected the BJP's
demand, triggering protest from its leaders, in the
Legislative Council, Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe refused
to entertain the saffron party's move as she adjourned the
House when a BJP leader stood up to speak about it. PTI MR
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(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)