Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Tuesday that the state would observe May 28 as “Swatantryaveer Gaurav Day,” marking the approaching birth anniversary of the Hindutva icon Vinayak D. Savarkar. Vinayak D. Savarkar, known as “Swatantryaveer Savarkar” in later years, was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Nashik, and died on February 26, 1966, in Bombay. His 140th birthday will be next month.
“The Maharashtra government will observe VD Savarkar’s birth anniversary on May 28 as “Swatantraveer Gaurav Din.” The government would host a number of events to promote Savarkar’s ideas, “said Eknath Shinde, according to ANI.
Maharashtra | The Maharashtra government will observe VD Savarkar’s birth anniversary on May 28 as “Swatantraveer Gaurav Din.” The government will host a number of events to promote Savarkar’s ideas: CM Eknath Shinde’s Twitter account is at gxNhdMrSpl. 11 April 2023 — ANI (@ANI)
Shinde stated that numerous events and activities would be held throughout the state to commemorate the historic occasion. These would highlight Savarkar’s enormous contribution to the Indian freedom movement, spread his ideology, and centre on his campaigns for social reform and the elimination of untouchability.
State Minister Uday Samant proposed the creation of the “Swatantryaveer Guarav Day,” noting the significance of Savarkar to Maharashtra politics and the need to honour his bravery, patriotism, and forward-thinking ideas for future generations.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), the state’s main opposition party, has urged the Shinde Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party administration to ask the BJP at the federal level to award Swatantryaveer Savarkar the Bharat Ratna.
In contrast to the Nationalist Congress Party, which has kept a neutral approach in light of the strong popular feelings, the Congress has taken a critical stance about Swatantryaveer Savarkar’s participation during the Independence fight, including prominent officials like Rahul Gandhi.