The latest case in point is the BJP’s call for Bhart Ratna for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar aka Swatantryaveer Savarkar. By making a demand to honour Savarkar with the Bharat Ratna. Savarkar is more known as the father of Hindu rashtravad (Hindu nationalism), but at the same time he also represents Maharashtra’s glorious tradition of social and religious reformers. On the other hand, mere proclamation of one’s affection for Savarkar opens the doors of the country’s now-privileged Hindutvawadi groups. For the BJP, Savarkar is a mere Hindutva icon who can help garner (or polarise?)

Source: Indian Express October 20, 2019 20:48 UTC