Ashoka wades in to Savarkar debate, lambasts Siddaramaiah

MANGALURU: Revenue minister R Ashoka joined the raging Veer Savarkar debate in launching a broadside against former chief minister Siddaramaiah. People speaking against Savarkar are out of their mind. People should not speak or have their heads in order or their tongues under control. Savarkar is a freedom fighter and people who have visited Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands know the plight of those incarcerate there, he said.
Interacting with reporters on Monday, Ashoka said having visited Cellular Jail, he knows the fate that freedom fighters sent there underwent.“There is no water, nor air (in these cells). Savarkar lived in one such cell. Siddaramaiah, who is indulging in Savarkar bashing, should once visit Cellular Jail. He will then understand the value of Savarkar’s sacrifice,” Ashoka said, further stoking the controversy that the former CM started recently.
Rebutting Siddaramaiah’s observation that Savarkar was in touch with then British rulers through letters, Ashoka said if one takes this logic further, even Tipu Sultan was similarly in touch with Imperial rulers. Tipu even surrendered custody of his children for personal gains. When Congress could observe Jayanti of such a person, why their leaders are indulging in Savarkar bashing despite his contribution to freedom movement, he wondered.
Referring to continuing misery that people in Belagavi are facing on account of rains lashing the region, Ashoka said he has directed the deputy commissioner there to release relief of Rs 10000 to those affected by floods.
The Malaprabha River is in spate. Villages in Ramadurga are inundated and 200 houses have been damaged. Khanapur, Bailhongal and Chittur areas have suffered extensive damage; he said adding administration is rushing relief there.
The Belagavi district administration is also working overtime to ensure that there is no loss of life and property. Asserting that he will visit the flood-affected areas personally; Ashoka said that it is his duty to do so. For the first time, a government has announced rent to people affected by floods and assured them Rs 5 lakh to rebuild their fully damaged houses. “Ours is an active government and not Siddaramaiah’s sleeping government,” Ashoka added.