New Delhi: The government has sought to distance itself from a new controversy, after a Congress lawmaker alleged in Parliament today that Mahatma's Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse was honoured at a function in Maharashtra and a BJP lawmaker said outside Parliament that Godse was a "patriot."
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu emphasised in the Rajya Sabha that, "There is no question of honouring such people. There is no question of the government doing it."
He also said, "We should leave the matter there, but defaming an organisation is not acceptable."
Husain Dalwai of the Congress raised the issue in the Upper House saying, "Mahatma Gandhi's killer is being eulogised by hosting a 'Shaurya Diwas' in Maharashtra." He claimed that he had written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP complaining about the alleged event, but got no response.
Congress members protested loudly about news report that such a function was held in Maharashtra, and alleged that it was organised among others, by the Bajrang Dal, an organisation affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS, the BJP's ideological mentor.
Outside Parliament BJP lawmaker Sakshi Maharaj said, "Nathuram Godse was a patriot just as Mahatma Gandhi was." However, he later retracted, "If I said something wrong, I take it back. I don't consider him a patriot."
Mr Naidu spoke on the matter after the Congress' Anand Sharma said, "It is not acceptable that some one eulogises him. I hope neither the House nor the Parliamentary Affairs Minister will approve of such an action. Let the House speak in one voice and condemn it."
Nathuram Godse a right-wing activist had shot the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi thrice in the chest at point blank range on January 30, 1948. He was hanged in November 1949.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu emphasised in the Rajya Sabha that, "There is no question of honouring such people. There is no question of the government doing it."
He also said, "We should leave the matter there, but defaming an organisation is not acceptable."
Husain Dalwai of the Congress raised the issue in the Upper House saying, "Mahatma Gandhi's killer is being eulogised by hosting a 'Shaurya Diwas' in Maharashtra." He claimed that he had written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP complaining about the alleged event, but got no response.
Outside Parliament BJP lawmaker Sakshi Maharaj said, "Nathuram Godse was a patriot just as Mahatma Gandhi was." However, he later retracted, "If I said something wrong, I take it back. I don't consider him a patriot."
Advertisement
Nathuram Godse a right-wing activist had shot the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi thrice in the chest at point blank range on January 30, 1948. He was hanged in November 1949.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Big Win For Congress In Haryana, Show Exit Polls Hung House In J&K, PDP May Be Deciding Factor: Poll Of Exit Polls 61% Voter Turnout In Haryana Polls: 10 Points Punjab AAP Leader Shot At During Argument With Akali Leader, Hospitalised On Camera, Sleeping Delhi Man Beaten For "Don't Urinate In Public" Request "If Donald Trump Doesn't Win....": Elon Musk Joins Ex US President On Stage Is It A Beginning Of #MeToo Movement In Music Industry? UP Villagers Kill Sixth And Final Wolf Ending Months-Long Operation On CCTV, Punjab Man Beats Boy, 5, For Imitating His Pet Dog Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.