The BJP and the Shiv Sena group led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde retaliated against Rahul Gandhi for his remark.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray stated on Thursday that he disagrees with Rahul Gandhi’s comments because he respects Savarkar, who was attacked by the Congress leader two days prior during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Thackeray, however, asserted that the Shiv Sena backs Gandhi’s yatra in order to further national independence. Additionally, he said he would not be able to attend the Congress-organized gathering at Shegaon that is a part of the yatra. Sharad Pawar, the leader of the Nationalist Congress Party, and Thackeray were both invited by the Congress.

The Sena leader, on the other hand, criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the RSS wasn’t really involved in the Indian independence movement and asking the BJP why Savarkar was not given the Bharat Ratna at a time when it speaks so highly of him and freedom fighters.

“We disagree with Rahul Gandhi’s comments on Veer Savarkar. Savarkar is admired and loved by us. However, the BJP should first explain to us what role and contribution the RSS had in the liberation struggle before interrogating us about Savarkar and the freedom warriors.

The RSS was present during the Freedom struggle, but we weren’t. The group had no part in the struggle for Freedom, according to Thackeray, who also asserted that the BJP had no right to mention Savarkar because it had collaborated with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Jammu and Kashmir just to create the administration.

When you talk so much about Savarkar, why haven’t you granted him the Bharat Ratna yet? The PM has every right to do so. Thackeray enquired.

Gandhi on Tuesday compared the sacrifice of tribal leader Birsa Munda to the life of Savarkar, saying that whereas the latter, who is a hero of the BJP and the RSS, sent mercy requests to the British, the Congress idolises Munda, who faced death without losing his pride.

Gandhi’s remark drew the fury of the BJP and the Shiv Sena party led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.