Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has sparked a political firestorm following his remarks regarding Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Speaking at an event in Bengaluru to commemorate Gandhi Jayanti, Rao asserted that Savarkar was not only a meat-eater who allegedly consumed beef but also publicly advocated for such practices.
In a post on social media platform X, Rao expressed his sentiment: “Once again, sorry for speaking the truth!” This statement came after his comments drew significant backlash, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During his address, Rao described Savarkar, identifying him as a ‘Chitpavan Brahmin’, and emphasized that he was a non-vegetarian who did not oppose cow slaughter. “He was modern in a way. Some say that he used to eat beef as well. As a Brahmin, he used to eat meat and was openly propagating eating meat,” he stated, suggesting that Savarkar’s views were reflective of a broader acceptance of such practices.
Rao’s comments did not go unnoticed by the BJP, which quickly condemned his remarks, questioning the Congress party’s alleged bias against Hindu figures. BJP leader R Ashok responded with sharp criticism, questioning why the Congress was fixated on targeting Hindus while seeming to spare other communities. “Congress’ God is Tipu Sultan. Why are you Congress people always targeting Hindus? Why not Muslims? The Congress mindset is like this. Hindus have given a verdict in the elections. Every Hindu will teach them a lesson,” he asserted.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also weighed in on the controversy, claiming that Rao and the Congress party were misinformed about Savarkar’s views. He accused the Congress of perpetuating a narrative that seeks to defame Savarkar. “These people do not know anything about Savarkar. They insult Savarkar ji again and again. Savarkar ji has expressed his views on cows very well. He has said that the cow helps the farmer from his birth till his death, hence we have given the status of a god to the cow,” Fadnavis remarked.
The exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the Congress party and the BJP regarding historical narratives and the figures associated with Indian nationalism. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the ramifications of Rao’s comments will likely resonate within party circles and among the electorate in Karnataka.