Mumbai. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday announced the upcoming Bandra-Versova sea link in Mumbai will be named after Hindutva ideologue late VD Savarkar. He further mentioned that a state-level gallantry award, similar to the one awarded by the Central government, will also be named after the freedom fighter.
Speaking on the occasion of Savarkar’s birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said, “The upcoming Bandra-Versova sea link will be named after Swatantrya veer Savarkar. On the lines of the Union government’s gallantry awards, the Maharashtra government will also set up Swatantrya veer Savarkar gallantry award.”
Additionally, Chief Minister Shinde also stated that certain individuals were intentionally defaming Savarkar for their own personal gains and out of fear that they would lose relevance if his ideas gained popularity in society.
“The critics of Savarkar know if his thoughts become popular in society, they will have to shut shop. Imagine how terrified they are that they oppose Savarkar even after 57 years of his death,” he said.
“There have been deliberate and consistent attempts to malign the image of Savarkar by some for their selfish gains. It is unfortunate even after 57 years of his death, some people fail to understand him. It angers me to see some people deliberately try to malign his image,” CM said.
This was the first time that Savarkar’s birth anniversary was being celebrated at Maharashtra Sadan. Born in the Nashik district on May 28, 1883, Savarkar passed away on February 26, 1966.
