BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj praises Nathuram Godse, retracts statement later

NEW DELHI: The government found itself embroiled in yet another controversy after BJP's Unnao MP Sakshi Maharaj claimed that Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse was as much a patriot as the man he killed. The MP later retracted his statement, but the Rajya Sabha was adjourned twice over the matter. The issue was raised in the House by Congress MP Hussain Dalwai, who said Nathuram Godse was being eulogised in events organised in Maharashtra by organisations said to be close to the current government.

"Gandhi's killer is being eulogised by hosting his Shaurya Diwas in Maharashtra... These people talk of development, but are trying to create a rift in society," he said, accusing right-wing organisations of indulging in such things, including conversions that created tension in society. The government was quick to distance itself from the matter.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said, "There is no question of honouring such people. There is no question of the government doing it." Naidu, however, defended right wing organisations saying, "we should leave the matter there, but defaming an organisation is not acceptable."