In a significant political development, Shiv Sena (Uddhav) chief Uddhav Thackeray called on Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, to advocate for the posthumous recognition of Veer Savarkar with the prestigious Bharat Ratna. Thackeray, during the meeting, emphasized the great contributions made by Savarkar in the fight for India's independence and argued that he deserved the highest civilian honor in the country.
Veer Savarkar, an iconic figure in India's freedom struggle, has been a subject of intense debate in Indian politics, particularly due to his controversial views and ideological stance. However, Thackeray, who has long been a supporter of Savarkar's legacy, reiterated that the freedom fighter's sacrifices and his role in shaping India’s independence movement should be recognized at the highest level.
Thackeray's appeal to Fadnavis, who is a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marks an attempt to garner political support for the proposal, as both Shiv Sena and BJP continue their alliance in the state government. The demand for conferring Bharat Ratna to Savarkar has been a point of contention in political circles, with supporters highlighting his unwavering commitment to India’s independence, while critics point to his later years of political alignment and views.
The meeting between Thackeray and Fadnavis is expected to reignite discussions on the legacy of Veer Savarkar and the possibility of honoring him with the Bharat Ratna, a move that would likely stir both admiration and controversy among different political and social groups.
As the debate over Savarkar’s legacy continues, Thackeray's push for the highest civilian award highlights the ongoing political discourse surrounding India's independence movement and its heroes.
