BJP Minority Morcha National President Jamal Siddiqui requested that President Droupadi Murmu posthumously honor RSS founder Keshav Baliram Hedgewar with the Bharat Ratna, as the organization approaches its centenary celebration. The political leader described Hedgewar as a freedom fighter who raised Vande Mataram slogans during British rule and joined the Anushilan Samiti while studying medicine in Kolkata. Authorities jailed Hedgewar twice for sedition in 1921 and during the 1930 Jungle Satyagraha despite his unwavering nationalist stance.
Siddiqui told reporters on Wednesday that the highest civilian award would serve as an appropriate tribute to someone whose vision prevented India from fragmenting, like Pakistan, after independence. The BJP official sent letters to both the President and Prime Minister seeking government recognition for Hedgewar's contributions to national unity. He argued that opposition parties should support the proposal because Hedgewar worked for the country's preservation. Siddiqui credited RSS volunteers with defending society beyond military borders through their nationwide service work.
Siddiqui told reporters on Wednesday that the highest civilian award would serve as an appropriate tribute to someone whose vision prevented India from fragmenting, like Pakistan, after independence. The BJP official sent letters to both the President and Prime Minister seeking government recognition for Hedgewar's contributions to national unity. He argued that opposition parties should support the proposal because Hedgewar worked for the country's preservation. Siddiqui credited RSS volunteers with defending society beyond military borders through their nationwide service work.
