Goa Pradesh Congress Committee President Amit Patkar courted controversy on Thursday, alleging that the BJP was celebrating the centenary of the organisation responsible for Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination.
Speaking to GNH, Patkar said, “Today is 2nd October. The BJP claims it follows Gandhiji’s ideology and preaches his teachings. I always say they have Mahatma Gandhi on their lips and Nathuram Godse in their heart.” He added, “The BJP is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the organisation which killed Mahatma Gandhi.”
The BJP reacted sharply. In a statement on its official X account, the party demanded an apology from Patkar, calling his remarks “a shameless lie and an insult to lakhs of swayamsevaks who have selflessly served India for 100 years.” The party added, “History, judiciary, and every independent inquiry have confirmed that the RSS had no role in Gandhi’s assassination. Amit Patkar must apologise immediately. Goa will never accept politics built on lies and filth.”
BJP former state spokesman Giriraj Pai Vernekar further said on X, “Dear @amitspatkar, your fight for survival as @INCGoa President does not give you the right to malign the RSS, an organisation that has dedicated 100 years to India.”
