New Delhi: In a very controversial statement, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Andhra Pradesh, Nagothu Ramesh Naidu called the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, Nathuram Godse a 'patriot.' A tweet was posted from Naidu's Twitter account on the death anniversary of Godse, where he wrote:
"Today, on his death anniversary, I salute #Nathuram_Godse with utmost gratitude. The true and one of the greatest patriot ever born in bharatbhoomi!"
However, after the massive outrage shown by the people, Naidu told that the tweet was posted by the one who is handling his Twitter account.
Godse assassinated Mahanta Gandhi on January 30, 1948, by firing three bullets into Gandhi's chest. Godse along with his co-conspirator, Narayan Apte were later sentenced to death and were hanged to death on November 15, 1949, at Ambala Jail.
Hindu Mahasabha observed the 71st death anniversary of Godse and Apte. They observe this day as 'sacrifice day' every year.
The netizens have asked the BJP party if it is their official stand. On the other hand, the Congress party has demanded the BJP to dismiss the leader from the party.
Mahasabha said that if the bust of Godse, which was confiscated three years ago from its office by the authorities of Gwalior, is not returned by May 2021, the group will install a new one. The district authorities of Gwalior had confiscated Godse's bust in November 2017, preventing the outfit from turning their office into a temple of Godse.
The national vice president of Hindu Mahasabha, Dr Jaiveer Bhardwaj said that the members of the outfit performed aarti and paid tributes to Godse and Apte at Daulatganj.
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