BJP’s Glorification of Godse Sparks Concerns Over Gandhi’s Legacy

The recent glorification of Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin , by certain BJP leaders has sparked a nationwide controversy, raising concerns about the erosion of India’s secular fabric and the promotion of majoritarian ideology.

Figures like BJP MP Pragya Thakur have referred to Godse as a “patriot,” while Union Minister Giriraj Singh has called him a “worthy son” of India. These statements, along with increasing attempts to diminish Gandhi’s legacy, indicate a shift in India’s political landscape.

The glorification of Godse by prominent BJP figures, including their attempts to downplay Gandhi’s role in India’s freedom struggle, highlights the growing rift between the vision of a united, secular India and the current political agenda.

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Gandhi’s vision of Hindu-Muslim unity and non-violence remains a thorn in the side of Hindu hardliners. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-driven BJP has often positioned itself against the pluralistic ideals that Gandhi championed. The party has attempted to erase his legacy by proposing the removal of his image from Indian currency and replacing it with figures like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The BJP’s actions reflect an ideological shift towards majoritarianism, contradicting Gandhi’s values of peace and inclusivity. The party has been accused of pushing a divisive narrative, portraying Muslims and Christians as “internal threats to the nation.” This mindset aligns with Gandhi’s warning that communal forces with a totalitarian outlook could harm India’s unity.

Sonia Gandhi, former Congress president, recently criticized the ruling government, stating that those in power today pose the “greatest threat” to Gandhi’s principles. “They are systematically attempting to destroy the secular foundation of our country,” she said.

The ongoing debate highlights a deeper ideological struggle within India—between the inclusive vision of Gandhi and the rising influence of Hindu nationalism.

This news is sourced from Hindustan Times and is intended for informational purposes only.