Sanjay Raut, an MP for the Shiv Sena (UBT), stated on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Marseille, a city in southern France that has a role in India's freedom movement, was a "matter of pride."
During a press conference on Wednesday, Raut emphasized the significance of remembering Veer Savarkar's role in India's freedom struggle and said it was wrong to cast doubt on him. He praised Savarkar's bravery and said that, despite ideological differences, Savarkar was a revolutionary and a significant freedom fighter.
"... It is improper to cast doubt on Veer Savarkar... A case was brought against Veer Savarkar when he swam to the shore after escaping from a boat. There is nothing wrong with it if the PM goes there and remembers him. It has to do with pride. Veer Savarkar showed no fear. Despite his ideological inconsistencies, Raut asserted that he was a revolutionary and a significant freedom warrior.
On a visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Marseille Tuesday night and paid his respects, remembering Veer Savarkar's "courageous escape" attempt and expressing gratitude to the French activists who helped him in his hour of need.
"Landed in Marseille," he stated in a post on X. This city is very important in India's struggle for independence. The legendary Veer Savarkar made a valiant attempt to flee here. I also want to express my gratitude to the residents of Marseille and the French activists who fought against his transfer to British detention at the time. Generations after generation are still motivated by Veer Savarkar's courage.
Veer Savarkar, one of India's liberation warriors, made a valiant attempt to flee British captivity in Marseille, which is why the city has a particular position in the country's history.
"Veer Savarkar was arrested in London in 1910 in connection with the Nasik Conspiracy Case," the government website amrit mahotsav.nic.in states. Savarkar braved the ship's fire by jumping into the sea and swimming to the French coast while he was being transported by ship to India for trial, off the coast of Marseilles.
"Do you know who gave this award?" Raut asked in reference to the Mahadji Shinde Rashtra Gaurav Puraskar given to Maharashtra Deputy chairman Minister Eknath Shinde by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chairman Sharad Pawar. Political leaders receive these honors, which are either purchased or sold. (ANI)
