Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s address in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday was a forceful and pointed rebuttal to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on Veer Savarkar, made during the ongoing Constitution debate. Shah directly criticized Gandhi’s statements, asserting that the title “Veer” given to Savarkar was not granted by any political party or government but by the 140 crore people of India, recognizing his remarkable courage and sacrifices for the country’s freedom.
Shah’s response followed Gandhi’s remarks from December 14, in which the Congress leader accused the BJP of defaming Savarkar while claiming to defend the Constitution. Gandhi had quoted Savarkar’s controversial statements on the Indian Constitution and contended that Savarkar had rejected it as un-Indian, proposing Manusmriti as a more fitting guide for governance.
Shah sharply countered these claims, recounting the immense sacrifices made by Veer Savarkar, who was sentenced to two life terms in prison, a fate no other freedom fighter endured. He highlighted the extraordinary bravery of Savarkar and his brother, who were held in the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, separated for ten years without even a single meeting. Shah stressed that no family in India demonstrated such unwavering courage.
The Home Minister also raised the important question of whether patriotism and sacrifices for the nation should be tied to any particular ideology or religion. Shah expressed concern over politicizing public life and using historical figures like Savarkar for partisan agendas.
Further, Shah reminded Congress of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s praise for Veer Savarkar. He quoted her from 1966 when she acknowledged him as a “great man” and a “great revolutionary” whose courage and dedication to India’s freedom struggle had inspired countless people. Shah urged the Congress party to listen to their leader’s words, as she had held Savarkar in high regard for his role in the fight against British colonial rule.
Shah reinforced that Veer Savarkar’s legacy as a freedom fighter and patriot is deeply embedded in the nation’s history, and his contributions should be honored regardless of political differences. The Home Minister’s address effectively closed the Constitution debate in the Rajya Sabha, underscoring the significance of respecting national heroes like Savarkar.