Owaisi questions PM Modi over Savarkar, Golwalkar’s criticism of Sambhaji

Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday, March 14, accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of having abused Chhatrapati Sambhaji while questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for the movie Chhaava despite his admiration for RSS ideologue MS Golwalkar.

Owaisi alleged that Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Golwalkar had insulted Sambhaji, and he demanded clarity from the Prime Minister on whether he agreed with Golwalkar’s views.

“Savarkar and Golwalkar had abused Sambhaji. Then why does the Prime Minister say that the movie ‘Chhaava’ is good, when he considers Golwalkar as his teacher,” Owaisi questioned the PM.

Addressing a gathering, Owaisi asserted that the RSS is targeting Mughal graves and waqf properties, and he criticised the Opposition for dismissing his concerns as emotional. He claimed that the Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 is designed to legitimise the encroachment of mosques, shrines, and graveyards, and he argued that the legislation would strip the Muslim community of its historical religious sites.

In response to Owaisi’s remarks, historical references indicate that Savarkar, the ideological figurehead of Hindutva, had criticised Chhatrapati Sambhaji in his book Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History, portraying him as an unfit ruler due to his temperament and alleged indulgence in alcohol.

While Savarkar acknowledged Sambhaji’s bravery, he contended that his leadership shortcomings had hindered the Maratha Empire’s stability. Although Golwalkar did not directly comment on Sambhaji, his book Bunch of Thoughts praised Khando Ballal for his loyalty, even after Sambhaji executed his father, thereby implying a critical stance on Sambhaji’s governance.