New Delhi: A post by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas featuring V D Savarkar alongside Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh drew sharp criticism on Independence Day. The post came from the ministry headed by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Kerala’s lone BJP MP, Suresh Gopi, serves as Minister of State in the same ministry, and the strong reactions from Kerala MPs have made the controversy even more political.

The ministry’s post on X showed the faces of the freedom fighters with the caption: "Freedom was their gift, shaping the future is our mission." It added: "As we celebrate our nation's independence, let's remember — liberty thrives when we nurture it every day, through unity, empathy, and action. Happy Independence Day."

Kerala MP and Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said: "Every Independence Day, the Modi-led BJP makes it a point to distort history and make heroes out of traitors."

He criticised the post, stating: "This Orwellian image, elevating a British mercy petitioner like Savarkar over Gandhi ji - the undisputed Mahatma who got us freedom, and completely eliminating Pandit Nehru and Sardar Patel ji, shows their contempt for our freedom fighters."

Venugopal added: "What else can one expect from those whose forefathers collaborated with the British to sow the seeds of division and hatred that haunts us to this very day?"

Kerala MP and CPM's MP John Brittas also criticised the post, stating: "The deliberate elevation of VD Savarkar over Mahatma Gandhi is not a coincidence but a calculated act. The government's actions undermine the nation's commitment to its secular Constitution. It is pertinent to note that Savarkar was an accused in Gandhi's assassination, though acquitted due to insufficient evidence. However, the Kapur Commission highlighted circumstantial evidence implicating Savarkar. Those who uphold the Constitution should unequivocally condemn this mockery of justice and secular values."

Congress media and publicity head Pawan Khera tagged the ministry’s post, writing in Hindi: "While mixing ethanol in petrol, now you've started mixing impurities even in freedom fighters. Those who couldn't become great in history, you're making them big on posters."

He added: "The country is asking you for cheaper oil, not cheap comedy."

Congress whip in the Lok Sabha Manickam Tagore commented: "No matter how hard you try, Mr. Modi, you can't push Mahatma, Netaji & Bhagat Singh below Mafiveer." He added: "Don't disgrace the martyrs who fought and died for freedom by glorifying those who begged the British with apology letters."

Tushar Gandhi, great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, wrote on X: "Shame on the Patroleum And Natural Gas Ministry for placing the traitor and murderer Savarkar above true patriots and martyrs. That to with money of the exchequer."

BJP response

BJP general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh responded to Khera’s post, saying: "Sick brigade to the core... Veer Savarkar lived and died for the country."