After requesting the Central Government to install Nathuram Godse’s bust at public places across the country, right-wing Hindu group Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha is now planning to release a film sketching the life of Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin.
The film, provisionally titled Desh Bhakt Nathuram Godse (Patriot Nathuram Godse) will be released across the country on January 30 -- the day on which Godse gunned down Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 -- Hindu Mahasabha general secretary Munna Kumar Sharma told The Hindu on Friday.
The documentary film, still in the making, will not only draw attention to Godse’s “immense contribution to nationalism” but also emphasize how “Gandhi was working against Hindus and the people of India,” Mr. Sharma said.
“A distorted picture of Godse has been created in the media because of the Congress rule in the country. Now, we have a sympathetic government under Narendra Modi. What better time to make corrections to that negative portrayal of him (Godse),” Mr. Sharma said.
Explaining the purpose of the film, Mr. Sharma said the “coming generations need to know and be inspired by Godse’s commitment towards nationalism.”
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while responding to a question in the State legislative Assembly last week, had issued a stern warning that any attempts to honour Godse would not be tolerated and result in strict administrative action.
His comments came after some Hindutva groups in Mumbai’s Panvel area had celebrated “Shourya Divas” or Victory Day on November 15, the day Godse was hanged in 1949. When it was pointed out to Mr. Sharma that his film might face opposition and permission for its release may be an issue, he sounded confident. “Why won’t permission be given? We are working for a nationalist issue,” he said.
