Political Tensions Flare Over Savarkar Remarks

The ruling Shiv Sena in Maharashtra demands an apology from Karnataka minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for comments on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, stirring controversy. Rao alleged that Savarkar consumed meat and wasn't opposed to cow slaughter, causing outrage among Shiv Sena members who revere Savarkar.

The ruling Shiv Sena in Maharashtra voiced a strong demand for an apology from Karnataka minister and Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao following his contentious remarks about Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske issued a stern warning, indicating Rao would not be welcome in Maharashtra should he fail to apologize within 24 hours. Savarkar, a figure of great reverence in the region, was the subject of Rao's comments, which suggested he was a meat eater and not opposed to cow slaughter.

Mhaske also criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray for not defending Savarkar, further accusing the Shiv Sena (UBT) of aligning with Congress purely for political gain.

(With inputs from agencies.)