A complaint has been filed against Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao by a Bajrang Dal leader, Tejas Gowda, for his controversial statements regarding Veer Savarkar. The complaint was lodged on Friday, following remarks made by Rao during a recent event that have sparked considerable outrage.
Tejas Gowda, who is also an activist, expressed concerns about Rao’s choice of words, emphasizing the need for responsibility given the minister’s prominent public role. “He holds a responsible position as the health minister, and whenever he addresses the media or speaks in public, he should be careful,” Gowda stated. He specifically criticized Rao’s assertion that Savarkar, despite being a Brahmin, consumed beef. “I would like to ask Dinesh Gundu Rao: Do you have any proof that Savarkar consumed beef? Or, I ask directly, did Veer Savarkar appear in your dreams and admit it?” he questioned.
Gowda further challenged the minister to a public debate on the matter, stating, “I challenge Gundu Rao to set a date, place, and time for a public discussion on this matter. We are ready to discuss this openly instead of allowing such false allegations and rumors about Savarkar to spread.” He urged the minister to focus on his responsibilities and the health of the people rather than spreading misinformation.
The controversy stems from remarks made by Rao on October 2 during the launch of the Kannada version of the book “Gandhi’s Assassin: The Making of Nathuram Godse and His Idea of India.” In his address, Rao commented, “Savarkar was not opposed to cow slaughter. He was a Chitpavan Brahmin but a non-vegetarian. In that sense, he was a modernist.” He described Savarkar’s views as a mix of fundamentalism and modernity, stating that some people allege he consumed beef and that he openly advocated for eating meat.
Rao also drew comparisons between Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, highlighting the contradictions in their beliefs and actions. He remarked, “Gandhi was a vegetarian and deeply believed in Hinduism, but his actions were different… Jinnah was a devout Islamist who drank wine and, according to some, ate pork. Yet, he became a Muslim icon.” He went on to discuss Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Gandhi, stating, “The danger of fundamentalism is that even when committing heinous crimes, you believe you are justified.”
As the issue gains traction, it raises significant questions about freedom of speech, responsibility in public discourse, and the legacy of historical figures in contemporary politics. The complaint against Rao adds to the ongoing debate about Savarkar’s role and representation in Indian history.
