A Shiv Sena member in Lok Sabha on Thursday demanded Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Union government, for Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar and tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Rajendra Gavit made the demand during the Zero Hour. His short speech was mostly confined to contributions of Munda as he sought the honour for him and then made a mention of Savarkar as well. "Freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar be also given Bharat Ratna," he said.
"Though the Sena has for long demanded Bharat Ratna for Savarkar, there is speculation that the Maharashtra party, long wedded to Hindutva ideology, may turn a new leaf as it works to stitch up an alliance with the Congress-NCP after breaking its ties with the BJP. Among other issues, Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress spoke about the "worsening" economic situation, citing reports to say that unemployment is at 8.5 per cent and household consumption has hit a new low. Real estate sector is also in a "crisis", he added.
He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was showing "cavalier attitude" and raising jingoistic and communal issues instead of focusing on improving the economy.
BJP's Tapir Gao asked the government to take measures to end apprehensions among people in northeastern states about the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill.
TDP's Jayadev Galla said the new political map issued by the government does not show Amravati as capital of Andhra Pradesh and asked it to release a revised map.
BJP's Sanjay Patil sought more relief for farmers in Maharashtra following the damage caused to their crops by recent rains. The recent relief given to them is very meagre, he said.
"Great Freedom Fighter": PM Modi's Tribute To Veer Savarkar On Birth Anniversary Top OTT Releases This Week: Panchayat Season 3, Atlas, Crew, The Kardashians Season 5 and More Ankita Lokhande "Flattered" By Student Of The Year 3 Rumour: "This Koffee Order Wasn't Mine" LIVE: Arvind Kejriwal Resigns, Atishi To Be Delhi Chief Minister AAP Asks Its Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal To Quit Over Atishi Remarks "Your Duty...": Chief Justice On Bengal's 'No Night Shift For Women' Note Giorgia Meloni's Far-Right Ally Raffaele Fitto Gets Top European Union Role Class 11 Student On Way To Coaching Centre Raped In UP: Police Pics: Supercars Line Up At The World's Largest Temple, Tourists Stunned Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.