V.D. Savarkar, along with being an influential figure in Indian history, has been the subject of deep discussion and controversy. Some view him as a freedom fighter and visionary, while others see him with scepticism and criticism.

Niranjan Takle, a Marathi journalist, has conducted voluminous research about Savarkar. He speaks to The Wire's Zeeshan Kaskar about Savarkar’s mercy petitions, his views on eating cow meat, about Dalits, Hindutva and much more.

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