New Delhi, May 29: The Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha (ABHM) has appealed the Centre to replace the image of Mahatma Gandhi with that of Veer Savarkar on all currency notes. The demand comes a day after members of the ruling BJP, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid homage to Savarkar on his 135th birth anniversary.

Savarkar, hailed by conservative forces as 'Hindutva icon', is considered as an ideologue by the Hindu Mahasabha. Savarkar was one of the founding members of the outfit and was associated with it till his death.

ABHM chief Swami Chakrapani said the government should honour Savarkar by printing his images, "instead of Gandhi", on all currency notes. Chakrapani also demanded a Bharat Ratna for the late freedom fighter.

The Mahasabha said using Savarkar's image on the Indian currency will be the most befitting manner to pay him the tributes.

While Savarkar remains a much-celebrated figure among the right-wing intelligentsia, critics have argued against his theory of Hindutva, calling it "exclusionary towards the minorities".

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), however, has brushed aside such apprehensions, saying Savarkar promoted nationalism through Hindutva, and not communalism. "This is the misconception of those who have not read Savarkar, but are quick to defame him," said RSS ideologue Rakesh Sinha.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2018 01:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).