Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has broken his silence on the long-standing demand for the Bharat Ratna award for freedom fighter Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar. Speaking at an event marking 100 years of the RSS journey, Bhagwat distanced himself from the decision-making process while expressing strong support for the honor.

During the "100 Years of Sangh Journey - New Horizons" lecture series on February 7, Bhagwat responded directly to questions about the perceived delay in conferring India's highest civilian award on Savarkar. "I am not on that panel," he stated plainly, referring to the committee responsible for selecting Bharat Ratna recipients. He added, "But if I meet someone who is on it, I'll ask why there's a delay."

Bhagwat went further, emphasizing that recognizing Savarkar would enhance the award's prestige. "If Swatantra Veer Savarkar receives the Bharat Ratna, its prestige will increase," he remarked. He noted that even without formal recognition, Savarkar already "rules the hearts of millions" for his contributions to India's independence struggle.

The RSS chief's comments have reignited a debate that's simmered for years. Savarkar, a key figure in India's freedom movement and architect of Hindutva ideology, endured over a decade in the Cellular Jail for his revolutionary activities against British rule. While revered by many as a fearless patriot, his legacy remains polarizing due to controversies including mercy petitions during imprisonment and acquitted allegations related to Mahatma Gandhi's assassination.

Demands for Savarkar's Bharat Ratna date back years, with BJP pledges during 2019 Maharashtra elections and Shiv Sena calls as early as 2015 citing "deliberate neglect" by previous governments. Despite recent awards to figures like Karpoori Thakur and P.V. Narasimha Rao in 2024-25, Savarkar's name has not appeared on the list of 50 recipients since the award's inception in 1954. Bhagwat's remarks, delivered amid RSS centenary reflections, underscore the organization's ongoing advocacy for honoring Hindutva icons. The comments have sparked fresh discussion across social media platforms, with YouTube analyses and Twitter debates questioning the government's stance. As Bharat Ratna selections continue to stir national conversation—particularly around politically sensitive figures—Bhagwat's pledge to raise the issue directly keeps the Savarkar demand firmly in the public eye. No official response from the government has been issued as of February 9, 2026.