Congress, Shiv Sena have different opinions about Savarkar, no effect on coalition: Jairam Ramesh

Interacting with media at Shegaon, Ramesh said some people do not seem to have understood that the people of Maharashtra have given great response and love to Bharat Jodo Yatra.

"Rahulji Gandhi compared Birsa Munda with Savarkar when he said in a meeting that he did not bow down to the British," he said.

He further said some parties and organizations in Maharashtra are heating up the atmosphere on the issue of Savarkar.

"How can you deny the historical truth in the case of Savarkar," he asked and said Congress's stand on this is clear.

"Congress has not organised history by destroying it," the senior politician added.

"The concept of bi-nationalism was presented by Savarkar. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh opposed the Quit India, Chale Jaa movement of 1942. It is a historical fact that the founder of Jan Sangh, Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, was a staunch supporter of the partition of Bengal and formed the government in alliance with the Muslim League," he said.

"As Bharat Jodo Yatra is getting huge support, some people are trying to spoil the atmosphere by protesting," Ramesh charged.

Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said he and his party disagree with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s statement that VD Savarkar signed a mercy letter as he was afraid of the British.

While talking to mediapersons after paying tributes at Balasaheb Thackeray’s memorial at Shivaji Park on the latter’s 10th death anniversary, Sena president had made it amply clear that his party has immense respect for VD Savarkar.

At the same time, he added that BJP should not play politics either.

"We don't agree with what Rahul Gandhi has said. We respect Veer Savarkar. But, at the same time, when you are questioning us, the BJP should also have to say why they were in power with PDP in Jammu and Kashmir," said Thackeray.

Thackeray has been targeted by BJP for ditching his father and Shiv Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray’s Hindutva legacy by joining hands with the NPC and Congress to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra.