BENGALURU: Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has ignited a major political controversy with his inflammatory remarks about Veer Savarkar, a revered figure in Indian history, particularly within the Brahmin community and Hindu circles. At an event commemorating the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Rao claimed that Savarkar was not only a meat-eater but also defended cow slaughter, sparking outrage among right-wing groups, especially BJP which has called for an apology from him
Rao’s comments were made during the launch event of ‘Gandhiji Hanthaka’, a book discussing Gandhi’s assassination, which compared Savarkar with Mahatma Gandhi, questioning the former’s role in shaping the ideological landscape of modern India. He implied that Savarkar’s values, heavily influenced by European fundamentalism, were at odds with the deep-rooted traditions of Indian culture. These remarks have been widely condemned by those who see Veer Savarkar as a patriotic leader who sacrificed for the country’s freedom struggle.
The pro-Hindu organisations and the BJP, have expressed their strong opposition to Gundu Rao’s statements, viewing them as an attack on the legacy of Savarkar. They argue that Savarkar, a key figure in India’s independence movement and a symbol of nationalism, is being unfairly vilified by the minister.
VIDEO | "Savarkar was a non-veg eater and he was not against cow slaughter. As a Brahmin he was eating meat, and he was openly propagating eating meat," said Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao (@dineshgrao) speaking during an event in #Bengaluru.
(Source: Third Party)… pic.twitter.com/q2uXdZn6hP
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 3, 2024
BJP’s IT cell responded with sharp criticism on social media, sarcastically questioning Rao’s source of information, asking, “Who told you that Veer Savarkar used to eat meat? Was it your father or your wife?” This pointed response indicates the level of anger and discontent that has arisen from Rao’s comments, with many viewing them as an intentional attempt to stoke division and disrespect an iconic figure.
In his speech, Rao emphasised the contrast between Gandhi’s vegetarianism and Savarkar’s reported meat-eating habits, insinuating that Savarkar’s fundamentalism was a European import and not in line with India’s cultural values. He added that while Gandhi had deep respect for Indian traditions, Savarkar’s atheism and modernism represented a departure from these values.
However, critics of Rao’s comments have highlighted that linking dietary choices to someone’s political or ideological beliefs is misleading and harmful. They argue that such statements only serve to polarise the public and detract from the important contributions of leaders like Savarkar. Savarkar, who was jailed and tortured for his revolutionary activities against British rule, is widely regarded as a nationalist hero by crores , and any attempt to undermine his legacy is seen as an affront to the freedom struggle.
Hindu organisations leaders and groups have demanded an immediate apology from Dinesh Gundu Rao, accusing him of using Gandhi Jayanti as a platform to stir unnecessary controversy. They argue that attacking Savarkar during an event meant to honor Gandhi’s legacy only sows division and distracts from the true purpose of the occasion. Several political leaders have expressed that such remarks are part of a broader campaign to malign the legacy of nationalist icons associated with the Hindutva movement.
By focusing on such divisive issues, many believe Rao is attempting to shift the political discourse from more pressing matters facing the state and the country. Critics are calling for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to intervene and clarify the stance of the government on this matter. If Rao’s comments are not addressed, there is concern that this controversy could escalate further, drawing in more political actors and deepening ideological divides.
The debate over Veer Savarkar and Mahatma Gandhi represents a broader ideological struggle in India between those who uphold Savarkar’s vision of Hindutva and those who align with Gandhian principles of non-violence and secularism. However, many argue that figures like Savarkar and Gandhi, despite their differing ideologies, contributed to India’s independence in their own ways and should be respected for their sacrifices.
Rao’s remarks, seen as an attack on the Brahmin community, have also added a communal angle to the controversy, further complicating the issue. His attempt to contrast Gandhi’s traditionalism with Savarkar’s modernism has been condemned as an oversimplification of their respective legacies.
As public discontent grows, the focus should shift back to honoring the contributions of both Gandhi and Savarkar, rather than using their names to score political points. Many leaders have urged Dinesh Gundu Rao to retract his statement and focus on uniting people rather than dividing them over historical interpretations.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | On Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's statement on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam says, "Once again the Congress party has made a very low-level comment against Swatantra Veer Savarkar. The comment made by the Health Minister… pic.twitter.com/ANlg2mBsKI
— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2024
Followed by black lash the minister said Amid the ongoing controversy, Rao further said, “It was a discussion on Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination and it was a very healthy discussion that we had, and it was basically the observations of contrast between Mahatma Gandhi and Savarkar.”
Reacting to the controversial remarks by the Congress minister, senior BJP leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that people in Congress don’t know anything about Savarkar and only insult him.
“These people do not know anything about Savarkar. The insult him again and again. Savarkar has expressed his opinion on cows very well. He had said that since the birth to death of a farmer, cows have helped him. So, cows have been given the status of God. Rahul Gandhi started the series of making such false statements on Savarkar, and I think they are trying to take it forward,” ANI quoted Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister as saying.
BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi criticised the Karnataka Minister for his contentious remarks, stating, “Their comments reflect a lack of mental stability. If they continue to express such views, society will dismiss their credibility. It would be better for them to seek medical help and educate themselves on the country’s great personalities.”
On a similar note, R Ashoka , the Leader of Opposition in Karnataka, remarked, “It appears that the Congress party, from Delhi to Karnataka, has adopted a stance of targeting Hindus and Hindu deities. Now, they are even targeting freedom fighters. Savarkar was a notable figure who endured imprisonment in Andaman and Nicobar. Congress seems to have an inherent tendency to undermine Hindu sentiments.”
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