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BJP MLA Questions Government Over Delay in Conferring Bharat Ratna on Savarkar

Published July 10, 2026 at 10:35 AM UTC

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In a recent session of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar expressed his dissatisfaction with the state government's failure to act on its assurance to forward a proposal to the Centre recommending the posthumous conferment of the Bharat Ratna on freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Mungantiwar alleged undue delay in implementing a commitment made on the floor of the House and submitted a breach of privilege notice in this matter. He pointed out that during the previous Assembly session, Minister for Protocol Jaykumar Rawal had assured the House that the state government would send an official resolution to the Union government supporting the demand. However, the proposal has yet to be forwarded, despite the assurance. Mungantiwar claimed that certain officials had reportedly recorded adverse remarks on the proposal, contributing to the delay. He emphasized that while breach of privilege notices are generally moved against ministers for failing to fulfill commitments made to the House, there should also be serious consideration of holding officials accountable in cases where administrative delays prevent the implementation of such assurances. He argued that Savarkar's contribution to the freedom movement and national service warranted due recognition and said administrative authorities were expected to adopt a responsible approach on issues linked to national interest and the legacy of freedom fighters. He also noted that extending the Bharat Ratna to Savarkar had been mentioned in the Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto. In response to the issue, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar assured the House that the matter would be referred to the assurance committee for necessary action. He further stated that if any unnecessary delay in fulfilling the assurance was found, the Chair would examine the breach of privilege issue seriously. Mungantiwar maintained that the demand for the Bharat Ratna for Savarkar was not merely about honoring an individual but about recognizing a significant chapter in India's freedom struggle and urged the government to act on its commitment without further delay.