In a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BJP leader and Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday accused him of promoting a ‘tukde tukde’ (divide and destroy) ideology, likening him to a “modern Jinnah.” Thakur’s remarks came in response to a controversial statement made by Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. Thakur said the Congress and its leaders have consistently insulted India’s freedom fighters and are spreading divisive narratives that threaten the unity of the country.
Speaking to ANI, Thakur said, “Congress is a factory of lies. When Rahul Gandhi goes around the world defaming India, it’s no surprise that his party is following the same path in insulting India’s freedom fighters.” He referred to recent statements by Gundu Rao about Savarkar, calling them an extension of the Congress’s ongoing attempts to tarnish the legacy of nationalist figures like Savarkar.
“India will not tolerate the disrespect of Veer Savarkar,” Thakur asserted, adding that Congress has repeatedly shown its disregard for the sacrifices made by freedom fighters. He emphasized that Savarkar dedicated his life to the nation and accused Congress of promoting false narratives.
Congress and article 370
Thakur also brought up the controversial Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir and was abrogated by the Modi-led government in 2019. He blamed Congress and Jawaharlal Nehru for introducing the provision, calling it a “blunder” that cost thousands of lives. “Congress never apologized for its mistakes, and now by disrespecting Veer Savarkar, they continue to show they don’t value freedom fighters,” he said.
Continuing his attack on Rahul Gandhi, Thakur claimed that Gandhi’s recent actions and statements align with a ‘tukde tukde’ ideology, which seeks to divide India. He further labeled Gandhi as a “modern Jinnah,” referring to the founding father of Pakistan, for his alleged role in fostering division in the country. “Rahul Gandhi is taking forward the ideology of ‘tukde tukde’ by aligning with forces that want to break the nation and defame it internationally,” Thakur charged.
The savarkar controversy
The recent controversy erupted when Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao made contentious remarks about Veer Savarkar, claiming that despite being a nationalist, Savarkar held an ideology that differed from Indian cultural values. Rao alleged that Savarkar consumed beef and supported cow slaughter, a claim that has sparked outrage among Savarkar’s supporters and BJP leaders.
Rao’s comments have drawn fierce criticism from BJP leaders and Veer Savarkar’s descendants. Ranjit Savarkar, the grandson of Veer Savarkar, strongly refuted Rao’s allegations, accusing Congress of attempting to defame his grandfather. “This is a strategy of Congress to defame Savarkar, especially with elections approaching. Rahul Gandhi started this smear campaign, and now his party leaders are continuing it,” Ranjit said. He argued that Congress is attempting to divide Hindu society along caste lines to win elections, a tactic reminiscent of the British colonial-era policy of “divide and rule.”
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Defamation suit against Gundu Rao
Ranjit Savarkar also announced his intention to file a defamation suit against Gundu Rao for his comments. He clarified that Savarkar never supported cow slaughter and had always advocated for the protection of cows. “The statement about Savarkar eating beef and supporting cow slaughter is false. He was the president of Gau Raksha Samelan (Cow Protection Conference), and his writings show deep respect for cows as deities,” Ranjit said.
BJP’s response
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis echoed similar sentiments, criticizing Congress for repeatedly insulting Savarkar. He remarked, “These people don’t know anything about Savarkar. They insult him again and again. Rahul Gandhi started making false statements about Savarkar, and it seems the Congress party is determined to continue with this smear campaign.”
Fadnavis further emphasized that Savarkar had clearly articulated his views on cows, highlighting their importance in farmers’ lives from birth to death. He added that Savarkar’s respect for cows was based on their economic and cultural significance in India, and any statements suggesting otherwise were misguided and misinformed.
Congress and Gandhi’s legacy
Earlier, Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao had spoken at a book launch event, drawing a contrast between the ideologies of Mahatma Gandhi and Veer Savarkar. He argued that while both were nationalists, Savarkar’s ideology was more fundamentalist, whereas Gandhi’s was democratic and inclusive. Rao claimed that Mahatma Gandhi’s arguments should ultimately prevail in the country.
This clash between Congress and BJP over Veer Savarkar’s legacy has intensified in the lead-up to state and national elections, as both parties attempt to shape the narrative around India’s history and freedom fighters. With accusations flying from both sides, the political landscape remains charged with debates over ideology, nationalism, and the interpretation of history.
