Sushilkumar Shinde praises Savarkar"s efforts against untouchability

Sushilkumar Shinde, a former union home minister and Maharashtra chief minister, recently praised Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in a video shared on social media. He highlighted Savarkar's contributions towards abolishing untouchability, specifically mentioning the establishment of the Patit Pavan Mandir in Ratnagiri by a member of a backward community. Shinde, who identifies as a Dalit, expressed frustration over the lack of recognition for Savarkar's efforts in this area, suggesting that certain groups intentionally downplay his contributions. The video surfaced amid controversy surrounding Shinde's earlier comments about feeling scared to visit Lal Chowk in Srinagar during his tenure as home minister. Lal Chowk has long been associated with the challenges of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, making his remarks particularly sensitive. Although Shinde claimed his statement was made in jest, it drew criticism from leaders within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who deemed it inappropriate for someone in his former position. Savarkar remains a polarizing figure in Indian politics, often criticized by Congress leaders for his alleged involvement in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. This ongoing debate reflects broader tensions in Indian society regarding historical narratives and the legacies of prominent figures. Shinde's comments and the subsequent backlash highlight the complexities of discussing historical figures like Savarkar in contemporary India, where political affiliations and historical interpretations can significantly influence public perception and discourse.