Andhra Pradesh BJP leader calls Nathuram Godse a ‘patriot’, later deletes tweet

Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nagothu Ramesh Naidu has stirred massive controversy by referring Nathuram Godse a “patriot” on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassin.

The tweet shared from the BJP leader’s handle said, “Today, on his death anniversary, I salute #Nathuram_Godse with utmost gratitude. The true and one of the greatest patriot ever born in bharatbhoomi!”. The BJP leeader deleted the tweet later.

On Sunday, Hindu Mahasabha observed the 71st death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's assassin Nathuram Godse and co-conspirator Narayan Apte in Gwalior.

Godse and Apte were hanged to death at Ambala Jail on November 15, 1949 after they were convicted for killing the Mahatma. Hindu Mahasabha observes their death anniversary as the 'sacrifice day'.

Mahasabha said that if the bust of Godse, confiscated three years ago from its office by the authorities in Gwalior, is not returned, the organisation will install a new one.

Its national vice president Dr Jaiveer Bhardwaj said, "Our members performed 'aarti' and paid tributes to Godse and Apte at Daulatganj."

"If Godse's bust is not returned to us by May, we will install a new one," he said.

He asserted that it was not a crime to install a bust in a private building and the Constitution guarantees its 'puja' (worship).

The district authorities had confiscated Godse's bust in November 2017, thereby foiling the right wing outfit's attemptto turn its office into his 'temple'.