Should Veer Savarkar Be Awarded the Bharat Ratna? RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Sparks Debate in Mumbai

Mumbai: The question of conferring the Bharat Ratna on freedom fighter Veer Savarkar has once again stirred political debate, following comments by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat. Speaking at the RSS centenary event held at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai, Bhagwat expressed support for the proposal, stating that awarding the honour to Savarkar would further enhance its prestige.

Addressing a direct question, Bhagwat clarified that he is not part of the committee responsible for deciding awards. However, he emphasized that recognizing the legendary freedom fighter with the Bharat Ratna would strengthen the award’s stature. He also noted that even without this formal recognition, Savarkar’s legacy remains influential both in India and abroad. His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Political Implications and Past Demands
Bhagwat’s statement has reignited speculation about a potential Bharat Ratna for Savarkar. Political circles view his remarks as a subtle nudge to the Modi government to expedite the award. Reports from foreign press journals, citing RSS insiders, suggest that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a strong admirer of Savarkar, having recently inaugurated his statue in the Andaman Islands alongside Bhagwat, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The demand for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar first surfaced in the early 2000s during the NDA government. However, it stalled due to opposition protests. In 2015, Shiv Sena revived the call, and the BJP included it in its manifesto during the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, with Shiv Sena supporting the demand. In the 2024 winter session of the Maharashtra Assembly, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray again pressed for the honour.

About Veer Savarkar
Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhaguar village near Nasik, Maharashtra, Veer Savarkar was a freedom fighter, politician, social reformer, and a proponent of Hindutva ideology. He passed away on February 26, 1966. The debate over awarding him India’s highest civilian honour reflects both his enduring legacy and the political significance of the decision.