The recent remarks attributed to former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay have sparked controversy and drawn criticism from the Congress party. Gangopadhyay, who recently aligned himself with the BJP and was named as one of their candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, reportedly stated that he "cannot choose between Gandhi and Godse."
This statement has raised eyebrows and elicited strong reactions, with Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh expressing deep disappointment. Ramesh emphasized the irony of a former high court judge, endorsed by none other than the Prime Minister, making such remarks. He called for Gangopadhyay's candidature to be revoked immediately, asserting that such sentiments are unacceptable, especially from someone seeking to align themselves with the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.
Ramesh questioned the sincerity of Gangopadhyay's commitment to Gandhian values, highlighting the contradiction between his judicial background and his apparent inability to unequivocally condemn Godse's actions. He urged those who claim to uphold Gandhi's legacy to take decisive action against such statements.
In response to the criticism, Gangopadhyay defended his stance in an interview with AajTak Bangla. He explained that as a legal professional, he feels compelled to understand all perspectives, including those of historical figures like Nathuram Godse. While condemning Gandhi's assassination, Gangopadhyay emphasized the importance of examining the underlying motivations behind such events.
Gangopadhyay's remarks underscore the complexities surrounding historical events and the ongoing debate over how they are interpreted and understood. However, his apparent reluctance to unequivocally condemn Godse's actions has raised concerns about his suitability as a candidate for public office, particularly in a political climate deeply influenced by Gandhi's principles of non-violence and tolerance.
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