Delay in Bharat Ratna Proposal for Savarkar Raises Concerns Among BJP Legislators

In Maharashtra, BJP legislator Sudhir Mungantiwar has raised concerns over the delay in the proposal to award the Bharat Ratna to Vinayak Savarkar. During the assembly's monsoon session, he questioned the government about the prolonged wait for this recognition, emphasizing the importance of honoring Savarkar's legacy. Mungantiwar expressed disappointment over the lack of action and urged clarity from the government regarding its position on the proposal. Speaker Rahul Narwekar responded, explaining that the proposal had not been discussed in the Business Advisory Committee, but assured that it would be addressed in the next session. This issue highlights ongoing tensions within the party regarding ideological commitments and recognition of historical figures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 16:08 IST

BJP Legislator Questions Delay in Savarkar's Bharat Ratna Proposal

In Maharashtra, senior BJP legislator Sudhir Mungantiwar has criticized his own government regarding the delay in the proposal to award the Bharat Ratna to Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. On the final day of the monsoon session of the state assembly, he questioned the government about the prolonged delay in passing the proposal for granting the highest civilian honor to Savarkar.

While addressing the assembly, former minister Mungantiwar expressed deep disappointment, stating that no political party should compromise its core ideology after coming to power. He emphasized that if the government has changed its stance on this issue, it should openly communicate its position. As someone who has dedicated his life to Savarkar's ideology, he feels that his own government is suppressing this proposal and may never revisit the issue.

It is noteworthy that earlier this year in March, Mungantiwar had introduced a proposal in the assembly recommending posthumous recognition of Savarkar with the Bharat Ratna. He reminded the assembly that Speaker Rahul Narwekar had assured on March 5 that the proposal would be considered soon. However, it has not been included in the agenda for either the previous budget session or the current monsoon session.

The BJP legislator raised serious concerns about the delay, pointing out that Savarkar faced unbearable atrocities from the British, and thus, at the very least, they should not inadvertently cause him further distress by delaying the proposal. He questioned how a file could be held up for such an extended period, especially when two complete sessions of the assembly had passed between March 5 and July 10. He urged Parliamentary Affairs Minister Chandrakant Patil to clarify the government's position on this matter.

In response to Mungantiwar's inquiries, Speaker Rahul Narwekar clarified that the proposal had not been presented in the assembly because it had not been discussed in the Business Advisory Committee. He stated that it was not appropriate to bring such a proposal without consulting leaders from all parties. However, he assured that the government is working on this issue and that it will be discussed in the Business Advisory Committee during the next session.