‘Godse’s Kin, a Threat to My Life’: Rahul Gandhi’s Stunning Claim in Savarkar Defamation Case
In a dramatic turn of events in a Pune courtroom on Wednesday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi claimed he faces a direct threat to his life from the complainant in the defamation case filed against him over his remarks on V.D. Savarkar. In a startling application submitted to the court, Gandhi alleged that the complainant is a direct descendant of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, and cited a “documented history of violence” linked to the lineage.
The application states that Gandhi has “grave apprehensions” about his safety, not only due to his past comments on Savarkar but also because of the recent political firestorm he has ignited with his “vote chori” allegations. “There exists a clear, reasonable, and substantial apprehension that Rahul Gandhi may face harm, wrongful implication, or other forms of targeting,” the plea read.
Drawing a chilling historical parallel, Gandhi’s application further stated, “There is a history of violence associated with the complainant’s lineage. History should not be allowed to repeat itself,” in an unmistakable reference to the assassination of his great-grandfather.
The defamation case was filed by Satyaki Savarkar, who objected to Gandhi’s alleged derogatory remarks made during a Bharat Jodo Yatra rally in November 2022, where he reportedly called V.D. Savarkar a “British servant.” Gandhi’s application to the court now links this legal challenge to a broader pattern of threats from his political opponents.
He cited “two public threats” from BJP leaders, including one from Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who allegedly called him the “number one terrorist of the country,” and another from BJP leader Tarvinder Singh Marwah.
This sensational claim introduces a volatile new dimension to the ongoing legal and political battle, transforming a defamation suit into a matter of personal safety and historical grievances.
