Bengaluru: In its election manifesto for Maharashtra polls, the BJP has promised Bharat Ratna for Veer Savarkar. 

He was an Indian Independence activist, a writer and a lawyer. 

However, there are several allegations against him. With the BJP promising Bharat Ratna for the iconic leader, let’s take a look at the allegations and the rebuttals to them. 

Allegation #1

When in Andaman jail, Savarkar wrote amnesty petitions to the British

Rebuttal:

In his autobiography, Savarkar does confess that he repeatedly sought release from the jail under the provisions of the British law pertinent at that point in time. However, he clearly states that he did not apologise or try to appease the British in his endeavour. 

Allegation #2

After release from Andaman jail, he cooperated with the British and opposed Netaji Subhashchandra Bose

Rebuttal: 

When he was under house arrest for 14 years, Savarkar undertook a massive endeavour to eradicate malaises like caste untouchability and superstitions prevalent in the Hindu society. 

It has also come to light that Subhash Chandra Bose himself praised Savarkar as he exhorted them to join the Indian National Army. 

Allegation #3

Savarkar was a great supporter of two-nation theory 

Rebuttal: 

In an interview to daily Kaal published in the year 1943, Savarkar has openly batted against partition. He has also exhorted his members to fight against the splitting of the nation made imminent by the aggressive policy of Muslims. 

Allegation #4

Savarkar was involved in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhiji 

Rebuttal: 
Savarkar was completely acquitted from this allegation by the court. It is true that Nathuram Godse was Savakar’s follower at a certain point of time. However, not a shred of evidence to prove his involvement in the conspiracy (to assassinate Gandhiji) was produced in the court.

All the above allegations and rebuttals for the same have been sourced from Hindujagriti.org