Demonised by the Nehruvian establishment, disowned by the RSS and caricatured by the unsuspecting masses, Godse is an apt symbol of the distorted history that informs the politics of 21st century India. Koenraad Elst delves into the complex legacy of Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948, and the subsequent attempts to understand his motivations. It critiques various interpretations of Godse's actions, ranging from labeling him as a "far-right" terrorist to glorifying him as a Hindu hero. The author argues for a nuanced analysis, urging readers to examine Godse's own words and the political context of his time rather than relying on biased narratives.
Dr. Elst also addresses accusations against Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) regarding their alleged involvement in Gandhi's assassination. It highlights Godse's initial association with Gandhi's civil disobedience movement and his shared beliefs in a casteless Hindu society and democratic polity.
Understanding Godse's complex motivations requires moving beyond ideological biases and embracing a more informed perspective on Indian history and politics.
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