New Delhi’s political arena is buzzing after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for awarding Bharat Ratna to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Congress MP Imran Masood fired back sharply, declaring the freedom fighter unfit for India’s highest civilian honor.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Masood questioned the rationale behind the demand. ‘Savarkar divided an undivided India into pieces,’ he asserted. ‘Should we honor someone for championing the two-nation theory? Bharat Ratna is reserved for those who united the nation, not fragmented it.’
Masood emphasized that Savarkar’s actions inflicted lasting damage on India’s unity. ‘This award carries immense prestige. It cannot go to individuals whose legacy includes partitioning the motherland,’ he added, urging the government to reflect on its criteria for such honors.
The controversy erupted following Bhagwat’s public endorsement, reigniting debates over Savarkar’s complex historical role. Supporters hail him as a visionary patriot, while critics point to his alleged support for partition as a stain on his record.
Masood didn’t stop there. On Bhagwat’s comments regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the MP criticized the hasty implementation. ‘Has no study been done on UCC yet? Rolling it out without research impacts tribal communities adversely. The damages will soon become evident,’ he warned.
Shifting to Uttar Pradesh elections, Masood addressed the extension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) deadline. ‘We’re not just talking; we’re acting to nab fraudsters using Form 7,’ he said. The SIR drive aims to purify voter lists by removing deceased, duplicate, and absent voters through transparent processes.
UP Chief Electoral Officer Naveen Rina confirmed claims and objections will be accepted until March 6, 2026. This move ensures electoral rolls are error-free ahead of future polls, with strict adherence to rules.
As political rhetoric heats up, Masood’s outspoken stance underscores deepening divides over historical figures and policy reforms. The Bharat Ratna debate is set to dominate headlines, forcing a reckoning with India’s contested past.