Maharashtra CM Shinde hits out at Rahul Gandhi over ‘Savarkar’ remark

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his derogatory remark, saying that Savarkar isn’t only Maharashtra’s deity but is an idol for the whole country, and demanded an apology for his derogatory remark.

Addressing a press conference in the national capital a day after he was convicted in a defamation case and subsequently disqualified from Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said, “My name is not Savarkar, my name is Gandhi. Gandhis don’t apologise to anyone.” Eknath Shinde said in the state assembly on Saturday that any criticism of Rahul Gandhi will be diminished for his statement.

“Savarkar is not only Maharashtra’s deity but is an idol for the whole country, and Rahul Gandhi has defamed him. Any criticism of Rahul Gandhi will be lessened for this deed. Also today, he said that I am not Savarkar, who will apologise. What does he think of Savarkar? He must be punished for this,” said Eknath Shinde in the assembly.

Shinde alleged that Rahul Gandhi has not only criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi but has defamed the entire OBC community. “Rahul Gandhi has not only criticised PM Modi but has defamed the entire OBC community. He is continuing to speak in the same tone, and I want to tell him that if he continues to do so, it will be difficult for him to walk on the road,” said Shinde.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s suspension, the Maharashtra CM said that he was suspended by the same law made by Congress itself. “Rahul Gandhi has been suspended by the law, which was made by Congress itself. Lalu Yadav and several others were disqualified, but nothing of the sort happened then. Wasn’t democracy in danger then?” he said.