Militant youth wing burns Savarkar book

Chhawa, a militant organisation of Maratha youths, burnt copies of revolutionary freedom fighter VD Savarkar’s book, Saha Soneri Pane (Six Golden Pages), across the state on Friday on the grounds that the book contained ‘derogatory remarks’ about Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, women, and non-Hindu religions.

In Mumbai, the copies were set on fire in front of the city collectorate. An effort to burn the book near the building where Savarkar lived in Shivaji Park was foiled by the police.The book was burnt in 17 districts.

Nansaheb Patil, president of Chhawa told dna that the protest will continue till the government does not ban the controversial book. He said that his organisation will also target bookshops which sold the book.

Patil added that the book contained ‘derogatory remarks’ about other religions. “People should stop referring to him as Veer (brave) Savarkar because he had bowed in front of the British authorities and had given a written assurance that he would not take part in anti-British activities,’’ Patil said.

Dr Pankaj Phadnis, a staunch admirer of Savarkar, said, “the book did have elements which may be considered objectionable by certain persons. I have my own reservations about this book. But burning the book is no solution. I have no issues if the government decides to ban the book,’’ Phadnis added.

“We will meet the home minister RR Patil, and ask him to ban the book immediately. If he does not, then we will not be responsible for any law and order problems that might arise in future,’’ Patil warned.