Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has ignited a political firestorm after claiming that Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent historical figure, and Hinduthva leader, was a non-vegetarian and not opposed to cow slaughter. The statement, reported by PTI on Thursday, has drawn significant backlash.

Speaking at the book launch of the Kannada version of “Gandhi’s Assassin: The Making of Nathuram Godse and His Idea of India” by journalist Dhirendra K. Jha in Bengaluru, Rao remarked, “Savarkar was a non-vegetarian and not against cow slaughter. As a Brahmin, he consumed meat and openly promoted meat-eating,” according to Suvarna News. He added that Savarkar was seen as modern in his time, but his fundamental beliefs differed. “Some people even said he ate beef and openly propagated its consumption,” Rao continued, contrasting Savarkar’s views with those of Mahatma Gandhi, whom he described as a staunch Hindu but more democratic in his actions.

Rao emphasized that his comments came during a discussion on Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination, highlighting the differences between Gandhi and Savarkar. “It was a healthy discussion comparing their beliefs,” he stated.

The remarks have sparked sharp reactions from various political quarters. Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam issued a stern warning to the Congress, saying, “The people of Maharashtra hold Savarkar ji in high regard. If Congress continues to insult him, they will be buried politically in Maharashtra.” He urged the party to stop maligning Savarkar’s legacy.

Ranjit Savarkar, grandson of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also criticized Rao’s statements, accusing Congress of deliberately defaming his grandfather ahead of elections. “This is Congress’s strategy—to defame Savarkar repeatedly, especially when elections are approaching. Rahul Gandhi did it before, and now his leaders are following suit,” he told ANI. He further accused the Congress of attempting to divide Hindu society along caste lines, comparing the party’s tactics to the British “divide and rule” policy.

Rao clarified in a post on X, stating, “Sorry, not for my statements, but this is what Savarkar said to the British,” after his earlier remarks ignited a political controversy, with the BJP strongly objecting. Rao had claimed that Savarkar, a “Chitpavan Brahmin,” consumed meat and was not opposed to cow slaughter. He added that Savarkar was considered modern for his time and had reportedly eaten beef. According to Rao, Savarkar, as a Brahmin, openly propagated meat-eating and held progressive views on the matter.

His comments provoked sharp criticism from the BJP, with the party accusing Congress of frequently targeting Hindus. BJP leader R Ashok questioned, “Why is the Congress always going after Hindus? Their god is Tipu Sultan. Why not Muslims? This is the Congress mindset. Hindus have delivered a verdict in the elections, and every Hindu will teach them a lesson.”

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also condemned the Congress, linking the remarks to a narrative started by Rahul Gandhi. He said, “These people know nothing about Savarkar. They continue to insult him. Savarkar ji had clearly expressed his views on cows, stating that the cow serves the farmer throughout its life, which is why we have given it the status of a god.”

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s legacy is one of complexity and influence, marked by his sharp intellect, revolutionary zeal, and pragmatic approach to life. As the architect of Hindutva, he laid the ideological foundation for a movement that would profoundly shape Bharat’s socio-political landscape. Savarkar’s vision of Hindutva was rooted in a sense of cultural unity and nationalism, driven by his belief that Hindus must rally together to protect their heritage. His legacy continues to evoke both admiration and controversy, with his ideas resonating with many as a symbol of Hindu pride and nationalism, while others criticize his opposition to Gandhi’s approach to secularism. Nonetheless, Savarkar remains a towering figure in Bharat’s history, remembered for his fierce dedication to the cause of Bharatiya independence and his influential role in the Hindu nationalist movement.

Yet, despite his enduring legacy, anti-nationalists and Congress politicians who lack a true understanding of Savarkar’s contributions continue to attack him, using such statements to denigrate Hindus and Hindu dharma.