When the nation observed the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha conferred the "Pandit Nathuram Godse-Nana Apte Bharat Ratna" award on seven proponents of "extreme Hindutva". 

Nathuram Godse
Nathuram Godse.Wikimedia Commons/Kc27

The day of Gandhi's assassination is observed as 'Shaurya Diwas' by the Mahasabha.

Announcing the awards on Sunday, Ashok Sharma, vice-president of the right-wing outfit, said: "This is the first time we have conferred this award on those who believe in Godse's ideology and promote it. The award includes a medal and a commendation letter."

The recipients include religious leader Kalicharan Maharaj who was arrested on January 12 in Maharashtra for derogatory remarks against Gandhi.

Mahatma Gandhi
IANS

He was granted bail by a Thane court on Friday.

Another recipient is Puja Shakun Pandey who had enacted Mahatma Gandhi's assassination by shooting at Gandhi's effigy on his death anniversary in 2019. Pandey was arrested a few days later in Aligarh.

According to Sharma, most of the recipients will receive the commendation by post.

Nishant Jindal, one of the awardees, said: "This commendation will only strengthen my resolve to propagate the nationalism that Godse died protecting." 

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