Congress Leader Alleges Complainant Is Nathuram Godse’s Descendant
Pune: In a dramatic twist to the defamation case linked to freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has made a sensational claim. On Wednesday, Gandhi filed an application in a special MP/MLA court in Pune, asserting that the complainant, Satyaki Savarkar, is a descendant of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi.
Rahul’s Allegations Against Complainant
Gandhi’s application alleges that Satyaki Savarkar is the grandson of Gopal Vinayak Godse, the younger brother of Nathuram Godse. He further accused Satyaki of deliberately concealing his lineage to mislead the court and public. Gandhi urged the court to order Satyaki to disclose his family background publicly. The court has granted Satyaki time to respond to these allegations, adjourning the case until June 12, 2025.
Origins of the Defamation Case
The controversy stems from a speech Rahul Gandhi delivered in London in March 2023. Satyaki Savarkar, who claims to be a relative of V.D. Savarkar, filed a defamation case, alleging that Gandhi made derogatory remarks about the freedom fighter. Specifically, Satyaki objected to Gandhi’s reference to an article purportedly written by Savarkar, which Gandhi claimed described an attack on a Muslim individual as a “pleasant” act. Satyaki argued that no such incident exists in Savarkar’s writings, labeling Gandhi’s statement as false and defamatory.
Political Reactions and Context
The case has reignited debates over Savarkar’s legacy, a polarizing figure in Indian history. Supporters of Gandhi argue that his remarks were aimed at critiquing Savarkar’s ideological stance, while critics, including members of the ruling BJP, have accused Gandhi of disrespecting a national hero. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra called Gandhi’s latest claim “a cheap tactic to divert attention from his baseless allegations.” Meanwhile, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh defended Gandhi, stating, “Rahul’s fight is for truth and transparency, and this revelation about the complainant’s lineage only strengthens his case.”
Historical Significance of Godse’s Legacy
Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, remains a controversial figure. His brother, Gopal Godse, was also convicted for his role in the conspiracy but was later released after serving his sentence. The alleged connection between Satyaki and the Godse family adds a layer of complexity to the case, given the historical animosity between Savarkar’s ideological followers and Gandhi’s legacy. A 2023 study by the Indian Historical Research Council noted that Savarkar’s writings continue to evoke strong emotions, with 62% of surveyed historians describing his role in the freedom struggle as “divisive yet impactful.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the court prepares for the next hearing, the case is likely to fuel further political and public discourse. Gandhi’s legal team has hinted at presenting additional evidence to support their claims about Satyaki’s lineage. Meanwhile, Satyaki’s response to the allegations will be closely watched, as it could either escalate or defuse the controversy. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for how historical figures are discussed in contemporary Indian politics.