How much is Veer Savarkar an issue in the elections?
It is not an issue. Every individual has a right to express an opinion just as others have a right to disagree. Veer Savarkar was a freedom fighter, but he was also an accused in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The Congress and the NCP do not agree with Savarkars ideological approach of using Hindutva as an instrument of politics. Since the BJP-Shiv Sena combine lacks issues, it is raising Tiranga and Savarkar issues. Q: Do you agree with the remarks of Union Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar about Savarkar? A: Yes and No. Certain facts have to be kept in mind. No one can deny that Savarkar was a freedom fighter. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has also said this. But we also say that he was an accused in the Mahatma Gandhi assassination case and we disagree with his ideology of Hindutva. Q: Do you think the plaque containing Savarkars name should be restored at the memorial in the Andaman cellular jail as demanded by the BJP? A: It is a small matter. The plaque should be replac
