INDIA

On Gandhi’s birthday, Twitter abuzz as Godse trends as hero in India

By News Desk

October 02, 2023

On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Twitter experienced a contentious situation as the name of Gandhi’s assassin, Nathuram Godse, began trending on the platform. Right-wing Twitter accounts posted slogans like ‘Nathuram Godse Zindabad’ and ‘Nathuram Godse Amar Rahe,’ expressing support for Godse.

Twitter users from India even hailed him as a ‘patriot’ and ‘hero.’

A social media user named Proud Bharitya remarked, “This country gained independence due to the sacrifices of heroes, not through Gandhi’s Ahimsa. Nathuram Godse Amar Rahe.”

Another user named Himanshu said, “Nathuram Godse, your sacrifice will always be remembered in our country. You are a true Sanatani.”

Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi on January 30, 1948, in New Delhi, received the death penalty for his actions. His legacy has sparked controversy in India, with some condemning him as a terrorist and symbol of hatred, while others have portrayed him as a patriot.

In 2019, BJP Lok Sabha MP Pragya Thakur stirred controversy by praising Nathuram Godse as a “true patriot.”