Sanjay Raut Alleges BJP Neglected Veer Savarkar, Bal Thackeray for Bharat Ratna Awards
- Posted on February 10, 2024
- Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 317 Views
Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut accuses BJP of neglecting Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray for Bharat Ratna awards amidst PM Modi's announcement of new recipients. Raut criticizes the government for honoring others while ignoring these icons, sparking political controversy.
In
a recent development, Shiv
Sena leader Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP government, alleging that it
disregarded Hindutva stalwarts Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray for the prestigious
Bharat Ratna awards. Raut's comments come in the wake of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi's announcement regarding the recipients of this honor, which
excluded these prominent figures. According to Raut, this oversight by the
government reflects a pattern of neglect towards individuals who have made
significant contributions to the nation's cultural and political landscape.
Raut
emphasized Prime Minister Modi's self-professed commitment to Hindutva values,
contrasting it with the apparent oversight of key Hindutva figures like Bal
Thackeray. He expressed dismay that while three leaders were honored with the
Bharat Ratna in a short span, neither Savarkar nor Thackeray received the
recognition they deserved. Raut's criticism underscored the perception of selective
recognition by the government, especially in the context of the upcoming Lok
Sabha elections.
The controversy deepened as Raut pointed out that while the norm dictates the recognition of three individuals annually, the government announced five recipients this year, potentially influenced by political considerations. He mentioned the names of Chaudhary Charan Singh, P V Narasimha Rao, and M S Swaminathan, who were conferred the Bharat Ratna alongside others, further fueling the debate over the selection process.
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The
announcement of Bharat Ratna recipients this year has stirred significant
debate, particularly due to the omission of Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray,
two prominent figures in Hindutva ideology. Earlier recipients of the award
include figures like Karpoori Thakur and L K Advani, but the exclusion of
Savarkar and Thackeray has drawn widespread criticism. This year's announcement
marked a departure from previous years, with five individuals receiving the
honor, the highest number in a single year since 1999.
The
controversy surrounding the Bharat Ratna selection process underscores the
complex intersection of politics and recognition of national icons. The
omission of Veer Savarkar and Bal Thackeray has sparked a broader conversation
about the criteria and transparency in awarding India's highest civilian honor,
reflecting the deeper ideological divisions within the country's political
landscape.