New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) Following the statement made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding the enhancement of the Bharat Ratna's prestige if awarded to Veer Savarkar, the BJP expressed its support for these comments on Monday, declaring that bestowing the nation’s highest civilian accolade upon the freedom fighter would be a moment of pride for every Indian.

While addressing the media outside Parliament, BJP MP Kangana Ranaut stated that the feelings voiced by Bhagwat resonate broadly across the nation.

“The sentiment articulated by Mohan Bhagwat regarding Savarkar is universally shared by Indians. His stature surpasses that of the Bharat Ratna. Awarding him this honor would undoubtedly be a proud moment for every Indian,” she remarked.

BJP Rajasthan President Madan Rathore also supported the initiative, describing Savarkar as a remarkable nationalist revolutionary who faced extreme hardships for India’s freedom. “Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the esteemed nationalist revolutionary, underwent severe trials for the liberation of our country, including multiple sentences to Kala Pani and imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands. Despite his release, he continued to advocate for justice. Hence, he is deserving of the Bharat Ratna as a great leader,” Rathore asserted.

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma emphasized that Savarkar prioritized the nation over personal interests and merited being honored with reverence. “Veer Savarkar dedicated his life to Kalapani, confined in a small cell. He was a true nationalist who placed the country above himself. Given his contributions to India’s independence, it is essential to honor him as a mark of respect,” he stated.

However, opposition figures vehemently criticized the proposal, questioning the rationale behind such an award and suggesting political motivations behind this renewed advocacy.

Congress MP Ujjwal Raman Singh remarked that the statement was merely a personal opinion, emphasizing that it is the government's duty to determine who deserves national honors. “That might be their personal view. In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their opinions. However, currently, the Government of India is responsible for deciding who is deserving of these honors. Meanwhile, the BJP is playing politics with the people of India, neglecting pressing challenges regarding the nation’s development, prosperity, and sovereignty,” he commented.

Congress MP Imran Masood challenged the justification for awarding Savarkar the Bharat Ratna. “That may be his opinion, but what merit does Savarkar have for receiving the Bharat Ratna? Is it for the Two-Nation Theory or for the so-called ‘apologies’ he penned? It is the government's responsibility to determine the reasons for awarding him,” he questioned.

AIMIM leader Shaukat Ali also responded critically, alleging that Savarkar had submitted apology letters to the British government. “Anything is possible. He wrote to the British government seeking forgiveness five times. Soon, they may even honor Godse,” he commented.

Samajwadi Party MLA Sachin Yadav adopted a more cautious approach, stating that while the Bharat Ratna should be awarded to great figures, contributions of others should not be overlooked. “Every great figure should receive the Bharat Ratna, but we must also recognize those who have yet to receive it. Many individuals played crucial roles in the freedom struggle, and we should remember them too,” he noted.

CPI(M) MP John Brittas firmly opposed the proposal, labeling it a divisive action. “It would mark an unfortunate chapter in India's history because Savarkar is not recognized for his role in the freedom movement but for penning apologies to the British. He is often viewed as a figure synonymous with hate and divisive politics. Thus, bestowing the Bharat Ratna upon him would be a regrettable event,” Brittas asserted.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari alleged that national awards have become politicized under the BJP administration. “I want to make it clear that the awarding of the Padma Awards has been politicized under the BJP government. A look at past lists reveals that around 38 percent of the awards were given to those states where elections took place. Overall, I do not believe Savarkar should be awarded the Padma Award or the Bharat Ratna,” he expressed.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi stated her party's consistent demand for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar, claiming that the BJP is exploiting his name for political advantage. “Our position is that Shiv Sena has persistently advocated for Veer Savarkar to receive the Bharat Ratna. This has been included in our manifesto, and we continue to express this demand annually when the Bharat Ratna is announced, yet it is overlooked. What the RSS has stated today reflects our party's long-standing stance, but the BJP merely seeks to leverage his name,” she told IANS.

“However, they are utilizing that solely for their benefit, as their words and actions do not align,” Chaturvedi added.