Mumbai, February 9: BJP leader Shrikant Bharatiya has wholeheartedly endorsed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s call for awarding the Bharat Ratna to Veer Savarkar, describing it as the true sentiment of every patriot who cherishes the nation.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS in Mumbai, Bharatiya emphasized that Savarkar’s unparalleled dedication, sacrifices, and heroic struggles in India’s freedom fight are legendary worldwide. ‘The RSS chief has simply articulated what millions of Indians feel in their hearts,’ he asserted, highlighting how Bhagwat’s statement resonates with the collective emotions of the country.
Turning his attention to Congress MP Imran Masood’s controversial remarks against Savarkar, Bharatiya questioned, ‘Wasn’t Masood born in India? It’s his duty to understand the sacrifices made in our independence struggle.’ He reminded that Savarkar endured 14 years in the brutal Cellular Jail in the Andamans, a testament to his commitment that every Indian should know.
Bharatiya advised Masood to study the history of freedom fighters who gave everything for the nation, calling his ignorance unfortunate. ‘Those who dedicated their lives deserve our respect and knowledge,’ he added firmly.
On the BJP’s BMC mayor candidate Ritu Tawde, Bharatiya affirmed that the party has fulfilled its promise to Mumbai’s voters. ‘We committed to a Hindu, Marathi candidate from the Mahayuti alliance, and Ritu Tawde fits perfectly. This was Devendra Fadnavis’s pledge, and we’ve delivered,’ he said proudly.
Addressing Bhagwat’s comments on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Bharatiya noted that it’s not a new idea for the BJP, which has long engaged society on this issue. ‘Bhagwat’s advocacy reflects the aspirations of crores of Indians aiming to integrate everyone into the mainstream,’ he concluded, underscoring the code’s role in national unity.