New Delhi: The INDIA bloc is grappling with a fresh controversy, potentially offering BJP an advantage while posing challenges for Uddhav Thackeray. The Congress-led Karnataka government has announced plans to remove the portrait of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar from the Belagavi assembly hall, where the state’s winter session takes place annually.
Interestingly, this move comes just before the Congress Working Committee meeting and rally scheduled in Belagavi on December 26 and 27. Senior leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, are expected to attend.
Portrait installed during BJP government’s tenure
The portrait was installed during the BJP government’s tenure in 2022. With its removal, the Congress government risks reigniting tensions within the opposition INDIA bloc.
The decision is likely to upset Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of the Shiv Sena, which has historically revered Savarkar. BJP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are expected to capitalise on this situation to attack Congress and create discord within the alliance.
Rahul’s previous remarks on Savarkar
Previously, Rahul Gandhi’s critical remarks on Savarkar had also displeased Uddhav’s Shiv Sena, prompting Sharad Pawar to intervene and broker a truce. Rahul and Congress leaders subsequently adopted a more cautious stance on Savarkar, seeking to maintain alliance unity.
The controversy has now reached the Congress high command, raising questions about whether they will intervene and direct the Karnataka government to reverse its decision. The move could escalate into a broader political issue, testing the cohesion of the INDIA alliance.
