MK Ashoka

BENGALURU — The ruling BJP and Hindutva forces have taken up the mission of idolising Savarkar in Karnataka in spite of stiff opposition from the some parties including Congress and other groups.

The issue has taken a communal turn with multiple stabbing incidents in Karnataka.

Hindutva groups have decided to reach out to every household on Savarkar’s contribution and sacrifice to the Indian freedom movement during this Ganesh festival.

It has been decided to place Savarkar’s photo with Lord Ganesh’s idol in Karnataka. Authorities have crossed their fingers over the development fearing a law and order situation.

Siddaramaiah, the Leader of Opposition had questioned the BJP that why they would not accept Tipu Sultan as the freedom fighter and insisiting on promoting Savarkar?

Karnataka Congress president D.K. Shivakumar questioned “what is the connection between Savarkar and Lord Ganesh?”

The ruling BJP which announced cancellation of celebration of birth anniversary of Tipu Sultan, had named a prominent flyover in Bengaluru after Savarkar during the tenure of B.S. Yediyurappa despite stiff opposition.

The celebration of 75th year of Independence Day again saw conflicts arising out of promotion of Savarkar and dropping of all Muslim freedom fighters by the ruling BJP.

The inclusion of Savarkar’s photo and exclusion of the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s photo from the poster released by the government of Karnataka also grabbed nationwide attention. The Congress cried foul over the “disrespect” towards the first Prime Minister of India.

Ravikumar N.M., a senior editor, said that Savarkar can never have the history like Bhagat Singh.

“Savarkar was made as an accused in the murder case of Mahatma Gandhi. The ruling BJP that is not able to discuss… and deliver on day-to-day life of the common man is talking about religion and politics.

“The government is also not even trying to inculcate scientific temperament among young men and women. No room is given for discussion,” he explains.

Afsar Kodlipet, the Karnataka general secretary of SDPI states that the objection raised for the flex of Savarkar in Shivamogga was rightful.

This story was originally published in clarionindia.net . Read the full story here