Priyank Kharge invites BJP’s ire over remarks on Veer Savarkar

Patna, July 29 (IANS) BJP and JD(U) leaders on Wednesday criticised Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge over his remarks concerning Subhas Chandra Bose and freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Veer Savarkar, describing his comments as unfortunate and misleading.

The controversy erupted after Kharge, while speaking about the RSS at an event on Tuesday, said, “They give a lot of respect to Subhas Chandra Bose. During the Bengal elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke highly of Bose. However, when Subhas Chandra Bose was building the Indian National Army during the freedom struggle, Savarkar was asking Hindus to join the British Army. This is their history.”

Reacting to the statement, BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash strongly criticised Kharge and questioned his understanding of history.

Speaking to IANS, Guru Prakash said, “If that is the case, then why did former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi praise Veer Savarkar? What kind of statement is this? One should study history before making such remarks. Priyank Kharge and his father, Mallikarjun Kharge, should read historical records carefully. Why was Savarkar referred to as ‘Veer’? Why was he described as a valuable asset to the nation? Today, they are making such statements because they are left with neither facts nor figures. They indulge in such comments merely to appease certain groups of people. This is sad and unfortunate.”

JD(U) MLC and chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also responded to the controversy, urging political leaders to understand history rather than use it to create unnecessary disputes.

“There is no need to dig into history unnecessarily; instead, there is a need to understand it. No one can deny the contribution of Subhas Chandra Bose to India’s freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, and Subhas Chandra Bose may have followed different paths and ideologies, but their ultimate objective was the same, India’s independence. We should learn from history, examine the facts, and understand the circumstances rather than creating avoidable controversies,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad came out in support of Priyank Kharge’s remarks. He alleged that efforts were being made to rewrite history and criticised the BJP over issues related to education and nationalism.

Azad said, “Priyank Kharge has stated historical facts. Attempts are being made to alter history and education. Those who claim nationalism should answer questions about their past actions. Action should be taken against those who undermine the values of the nation. I fully support Priyank Kharge.”

Samajwadi Party national spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand also defended Kharge’s remarks, saying, “This is a part of history. When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was mobilising people for the Indian National Army and calling for sacrifice in the freedom struggle, Savarkar and leaders associated with the Bharatiya Jana Sangh were advocating a different approach. These historical facts are well documented. Nothing new has been said.”

–IANS

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