Priyank Kharge's Savarkar remarks spark BJP, JD(U) backlash
Synopsis
A single sentence at an RSS-focused event has reignited one of Indian politics’ most combustible fault lines. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge’s contrast between Netaji Bose and Savarkar drew swift fire from BJP and JD(U) — but also rare cross-party support from TMC and SP, revealing how the battle over India’s independence narrative is intensifying ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Key Takeaways
Priyank Kharge claimed at a Tuesday event that Savarkar urged Hindus to join the British Army while Netaji Bose was building the Indian National Army.
BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash called the remarks 'sad and unfortunate' and invoked former PM Indira Gandhi’s praise of Savarkar to counter Kharge.
JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar urged political leaders to understand history rather than use it to stoke 'avoidable controversies'.
TMC MP Kirti Azad and Samajwadi Party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand backed Kharge, calling his remarks historically accurate.
The row reflects a recurring pattern of Savarkar’s legacy becoming a political flashpoint, particularly ahead of elections.
Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge drew sharp criticism from BJP and Janata Dal (United) leaders on Wednesday after he drew a pointed contrast between Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, with rivals calling his remarks historically misleading and politically motivated.
What Kharge Said
Speaking at an event on Tuesday while addressing the role of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Kharge 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.'
The remarks immediately ignited a political firestorm, drawing responses from across party lines — both in condemnation and in support.
BJP Fires Back
BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash strongly rebuked Kharge, questioning his grasp of historical record. '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,' Guru Prakash said.
JD(U) Urges Restraint
JD(U) MLC and chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar took a more measured tone, urging political leaders to engage with history responsibly rather than weaponise it. '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.
Opposition Rallies Behind Kharge
Support for Kharge came from opposition quarters. All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kirti Azad backed the remarks, alleging a broader effort to rewrite India’s historical narrative. '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. I fully support Priyank Kharge,' Azad said.
Samajwadi Party national spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand also defended Kharge, 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.'
The Broader Pattern
This is not the first time Savarkar’s legacy has become a fault line in Indian politics. Debates over his role during the independence movement — particularly the question of his mercy petitions to the British — have repeatedly surfaced ahead of state elections and during periods of heightened nationalist discourse. The current row comes as opposition parties look to sharpen their ideological contrast with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
With both sides entrenching their positions, the dispute over how India’s freedom struggle is remembered shows little sign of cooling.
Point of View
Not a rebuttal of the underlying historical claim. What’s notable is the cross-party opposition support Kharge received: TMC and SP backing the same line suggests a coordinated effort to make Savarkar’s legacy a sustained campaign theme. Whether that sharpens the opposition’s nationalist credentials or backfires as history-politicking will depend on how the electorate reads intent.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Priyank Kharge say about Savarkar?
Kharge said that while Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was building the Indian National Army during the freedom struggle, Savarkar was asking Hindus to join the British Army. He made the remarks at an event on Tuesday while speaking about the RSS.
How did the BJP respond to Kharge’s remarks?
BJP spokesperson Guru Prakash strongly criticised Kharge, questioning his historical knowledge and pointing out that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had praised Savarkar. He called the remarks 'sad and unfortunate' and accused Kharge of making them to 'appease certain groups'.
What was JD(U)’s position on the controversy?
JD(U) MLC and chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar urged political leaders to understand history rather than use it to create disputes. He acknowledged the contributions of Bose, Gandhi, and Bhagat Singh while calling for restraint.
Who supported Kharge’s remarks?
TMC MP Kirti Azad and Samajwadi Party spokesperson Fakhrul Hasan Chand both backed Kharge, saying his statements reflected documented historical facts and that attempts were being made to rewrite India’s history.
Why does the Savarkar debate keep resurfacing in Indian politics?
Savarkar’s legacy — particularly his role during the independence movement and his mercy petitions to the British — has long been contested. Opposition parties periodically raise the issue to draw ideological contrasts with the BJP, which regards Savarkar as a revered nationalist figure.
