Savarkar’s valour can’t be questioned: Amit Shah

New Delhi, October 15

Amid the political war over Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s comments on Hindu Mahasabha leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Home Minister Amit Shah today said Savarkar’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle would be remembered forever and those criticising him should have “some shame”.

“Savarkar’s patriotism and valour cannot be questioned,” Shah said, hitting back at those “doubting his commitment to India”.

Savarkar turned the Cellular Jail into a “mahatirth” (shrine) and gave a message to the world that they could torture him as they want but they could not block his rights, Shah said, addressing a gathering in Port Blair as part of 75 years of India’s Independence.

“How can you doubt the life and credentials of a man who was made to sweat like a plodder bullock (kolhu ka bail) to extract oil at this prison. Have some shame,” the minister said. — TNS