As the BJP promised to confer nation’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, to one of India’s greatest heroes – Veer Savarkar, controversy soon erupted after Congress party vehemently opposed it.

At a time when Congress party has begun to slander the Hindutva icon Veer Savarkar, a letter written by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi referring Veer Savarkar as ‘remarkable son of India’ has been doing rounds on social media.

In a letter dated May 30, 1980, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had written a letter to Pandit Bakhle, then secretary of Swatantrayaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak, expressing her reverence for one of India’s greatest freedom fighters Vinayaka Damodar Savarkar.

The letter reads, “Veer Savarkar’s daring defiance of the British Govt has its own importance in the annals of our freedom movement. I wish success to the plans to celebrate the birth centenary of this remarkable son of India.”

- Advertisement -

This narrative of mocking Savarkar has become a trend lately started by former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who seems to have taken inspiration from left-wing and ultra-left wing forces, who have an inherent contempt towards Hindutva icon Savarkar.

Indira Gandhi’s admiration for Veer Savarkar is not just limited to a letter written in 1980. In 1966, Indira Gandhi after the death of Veer Savarkar had said, “It removes from our midst a great figure of contemporary India. His name was a byword for daring and patriotism. Mr Savarkar was cast in the mould of a classical revolutionary and countless people drew inspiration from him.”

Read: Here are the 5 most popular lies that leftists peddle against Veer Savarkar

In 1970, Indira Gandhi had also issued a commemorative stamp in Veer Savarkar’s honour and had also given a private donation of Rs 11,000 to his memorial fund.

Indira Gandhi’s letter surfaced on social media at a time when the congress party is foul-mouthing him. It only reflects the sheer hypocrisy of the current generation of Congress, who have successfully veered off to become more radical to abuse and discredit national heroes who have fought for India’s freedom.