Synopsis
Ranjit Savarkar, grandson of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, vehemently criticizes Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks about his grandfather and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, asserting that such comments are an attempt to distort history for political gain.Key Takeaways
- Ranjit Savarkar condemns Owaisi's remarks.
- Historical distortion for political gain is criticized.
- Connection between Owaisi and historical figures of violent conversions.
- Call for government action against divisive propaganda.
- Concerns over communal discord in India.
Mumbai, March 15 (NationPress) Ranjit Savarkar, the grandson of the legendary freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, has vehemently criticized AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi following his contentious remarks regarding the iconic figure of Veer Savarkar and former RSS chief Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar. He stated that dogs keep barking but that does not imply "we should pay attention to them".
Owaisi alleged that both leaders had ‘abused’ Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the courageous son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
In a candid interview with IANS, Ranjit Savarkar accused Owaisi of being a habitual liar who distorts history for his political advantage.
"Owaisi is the number one liar, and he lies deliberately. A person who bows his head at the grave of Aurangzeb, a brutal tyrant, has no right to speak about the glorious history of India," he asserted, stressing Owaisi's allegiance to historical figures known for atrocities against Hindus.
Ranjit Savarkar refuted Owaisi's claims by clarifying the context of his grandfather’s 1925 article titled 'Savarkar', where Veer Savarkar honored the legacy of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
“In 1925, when no one dared to write about Sambhaji Maharaj due to the negative portrayal of his image, my grandfather authored an article titled 'Hutatma Chhatrapati' to celebrate the life and sacrifice of Sambhaji. Owaisi and his followers cherry-pick a single line from this article to misrepresent the truth. This is nothing but a deliberate distortion,” he said.
Drawing a stark comparison between Owaisi’s ideological stance and historical figures who supported violent conversions, Ranjit Savarkar claimed that Owaisi was connected to Qasim Rizvi, a key figure behind the Razakar militia in the 1940s.
The Razakars were infamous for their violent campaigns involving forced conversions, rapes, and massacres during the Partition era.
He further accused Owaisi's political lineage of continuing the legacy of coercive religious conversion.
"Qasim Rizvi was sent to Pakistan after the Razakar movement was crushed. Owaisi’s family, which became the face of AIMIM in the late 20th century, continues to operate under this legacy of forced conversions and violence," he added.
Ranjit Savarkar also spoke about the atrocities committed by the forces of Aurangzeb, emphasizing that the reign of the Mughal emperor was characterized by brutal violence, including the torture and death of Sambhaji Maharaj.
"The same forces that tortured Sambhaji Maharaj for 40 days, gouging his eyes out and peeling his skin, are now being glorified by people like Owaisi," he said, underscoring the irony of Owaisi’s political stance.
Additionally, Ranjit Savarkar dismissed Owaisi’s provocative statements as mere political theatrics.
"Look, dogs bark but that does not mean we should pay attention to them. Owaisi’s remarks are just a distraction, but I would urge the government to take decisive action. This transcends politics; it is treason. It is spreading sedition, inciting riots, and promoting communal discord," he stated.
Referencing the unrest in India following the World Cup celebrations, Ranjit Savarkar expressed concern over the deliberate efforts by individuals like Owaisi to sow division among the Muslim community in India.
"Owaisi and his rhetoric are deliberately fueling division. This is an attempt to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims, potentially leading to widespread chaos," he warned.
He called on the Indian government to take strict action against Owaisi’s divisive propaganda, including the initiation of sedition proceedings.
"The government must initiate sedition charges against those who attempt to fracture the unity of our nation," he added.
Ranjit Savarkar further responded to the recent comments made by Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. Tushar Gandhi, known for his association with the Samajwadi Party, had labeled the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) a “cancer to the soul of the nation.”
He also criticized Tushar Gandhi, accusing him of lacking historical awareness and being a propagandist.
"Tushar Gandhi is merely a propaganda agent. His role is to disseminate misinformation for political gain. He is oblivious to the history of his own family or the circumstances of his ancestors' demise," Ranjit Savarkar stated.
He offered to send Tushar Gandhi a book detailing the circumstances surrounding his grandfather’s death and the historical context of Gandhi's assassination.
Ranjit Savarkar also condemned the politics of selfishness, suggesting that individuals like Tushar Gandhi were playing with fire for personal gain, neglecting the long-term repercussions on the country.
"It is unfortunate how low people like Tushar Gandhi can stoop for their selfish interests. They are willing to ignite discord in the country just to enhance their own reputations," he concluded.
