Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, May 31: "India did not begin from Mahatma Gandhiji. Our culture, tradition and nationality were awakened by Vyasa. Hence, in my opinion, Veda Vyasa is the father of our nation," said Sri Vishweshatheertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math.

Speaking to reporters at Sri Krishna Math on Friday May 31, he said that he has great respect towards Mahatma Gandhi and it was wrong by some to call his killer Nathuram Godse a 'patriot'.

"Calling Nathuram Godse a patriot was a big insult to the country. I am unhappy with those who gave such a statement. Mahatma Gandhi was a patriot and he is the son of India. Vedavyas is the father of the nation," he said.

It may be recalled that BJP MP Pragya Singh Thakur had termed Godse a patriot, and BJP MPs Anant Kumar Hegde and Nalin Kumar Kateel had also tweeted in Godse's favour. All of them were forced to apologise after their statements created a storm and invoked a reprimand from the party.

Pejawar Swamiji further said, "All the political parties in the country are equal for me. The parties should have contested on their own in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The opposition parties would have won more seats if they had done so. But it did not happen. The opposition parties joined hands to defeat BJP saying that it was a communal party. This development awakened Hindutva among Hindus," he opined.

"Only anti-Hindu narrative was seen during elections, with there were no discussions on development. The voting percentage in the country exceeded expectations. Majority Hindus wake up when religion is spoken about. Therefore, let there be discussions on development at least after this," he said.