Savarkar defamation case:Great-Grandson claims Nehru backed British, says Savarkar could have been PM had he compromised

The defamation case against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar continued in a special court in Pune on Tuesday, with Savarkar’s great-grandson, Satyaki Savarkar, recording his testimony. During the proceedings, Satyaki alleged that India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, opposed Subhas Chandra Bose and pursued policies that were favourable to the British. Appearing as a witness, Satyaki was cross-examined by Rahul Gandhi’s counsel, Advocate Milind Pawar. During the examination, he stated that Savarkar’s property had been confiscated and that his barrister’s degree had been revoked. Satyaki’s claims in court Satyaki told the court that Nehru had once said he would oppose both Subhas Chandra Bose and his political party, which, according to him, reflected Nehru’s opposition to the freedom fighter. He said the statement was based on Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru. He also claimed that several prominent personalities, including Madam Bhikaji Cama, Bhagat Singh and Sharad Pawar, had praised Savarkar. Background of the case The defamation complaint was filed by Satyaki Savarkar over a speech Rahul Gandhi delivered in London in March 2023, in which the Congress leader allegedly made objectionable remarks about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. In a report submitted on May 27, 2024, Pune Police said Rahul Gandhi’s remarks amounted to defamation. Rahul has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. Remarks at the centre of the dispute According to the complaint, Rahul Gandhi claimed in his London speech that, citing one of Savarkar’s books, Savarkar and a group of his associates had once assaulted a Muslim man and expressed satisfaction over the incident.