Bandra-Versova sea link to be named after Savarkar, announces CM Eknath Shinde

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said upcoming Bandra-Versova sea link in western part of Mumbai will be named after Hindutva ideologue late V.D. Savarkar, while a state-level gallantry award on lines of one given by Centre will also be named after him.

Speaking in New Delhi on birth anniversary of Savarkar, CM said some people were deliberately maligning former for ir selfish gains and out of fright that y will have to shut shop if his thoughts become popular in society.

It was first time Savarkar's birth anniversary was being celebrated in state government-constructed Maharashtra San re, he ded.

" critics of Savarkar know if his thoughts become popular in society, y will have to shut shop. Imagine how terrified y are that y oppose Savarkar even after 57 years of his death," he said.

"re have been deliberate and consistent attempts to malign image of Savarkar by some for ir 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," Mr. Shinde said.

Savarkar, who was born in Nashik district on May 28, 1883, died on February 26, 1966.

" upcoming Bandra-Versova sealink will be named after Swatantryaveer Savarkar. On lines of Union government's gallantry awards, Maharashtra government will also set up Swatantryaveer Savarkar gallantry awards," Mr. Shinde said.

Praising move, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fnavis thanked Mr. Shinde and said he h me such a request in a letter sent to latter on March 16 this year.

"This will ensure Savarkar's name and work remain etched in memory of people," Mr. Fnavis said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra governor Ramesh Bais inaugurated an exhibition on life of Savarkar and hailed latter for opposing caste-based discrimination and terming untouchability as a blot on country.

"Savarkar was a great orator, writer and historian. He did not lose his morale despite hardships in Cellular Jail. However, historians did not do justice to him. This needs to be corrected now," Mr. Bais said.