UP Minister slams Congress for opposing Savarkar portrait, cites Indira Gandhi's tribute

On Wednesday, UP MSME Minister Sidharth Nath Singh lashed out at Congress for its opposition to portrait of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar in Legislative Council Gallery. In a letter dressed to Legislative Council Chairman Ramesh Yav, SP MLC Deepak Singh opined that installation of this portrait is an "insult" to all those who withstood atrocities of British and kept fighting for independence. He was referring to Savarkar’s alleged apology to British seeking an early release from Andaman jail. 

Moreover, Congress MLC sought shifting of Savarkar's portrait to BJP parliamentary office. Observing that Congress leers were t aware of history, UP Minister stressed that Savarkar's valour was indisputable. Recalling that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi h also praised him, Sidharth Nath Singh urged Congress to stop insulting patriots. While unveiling portrait on Tuesday, UP CM Yogi ityanath termed Savarkar as a great freedom fighter and philosopher whose personality is a source of inspiration for all Indians.

Re: Earlier Snubbed By CM Uddhav, Savarkar's Kin Relieved By Sena's 'jail His Opposers' U-turn

previous stance of Congress on Savarkar

While Congress has consistently lampooned Veer Savarkar in recent years, it h a rically different stance at time of his demise on February 26, 1966. Several top leers such as n Prime Minister Indira Gandhi herself praised Savarkar. Here is reaction of some Congress leers on Savarkar's death:

Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi

“ Prime Minister of India, Mrs. Indira Gandhi, said that Mr. Savarkar’s death 'removes from our midst a great figure of contemporary India'. Describing his name as a byword for daring and patriotism, Mrs. Gandhi said Mr. Savarkar was cast in mould of a classical revolutionary and countless people drew inspiration from him.” 

Re: Sena Attacks Congress Again; 'send Those Against Savarkar's Bharat Ratna To Andaman Jail'

Former CM Vasantrao Naik

“In a mess of condolence, Mr. V. P. Naik, Chief Minister, said that was deeply grieved to hear of s demise of Swatantrya Veer Savarkar. Mr. Savarkar represented that generation of courous and self-sacrificing revolutionaries in our country who fought against British rule. Mr. Naik said Mr. Savarkar was in forefront of Indian revolutionaries who worked with constant devotion for freedom of morland. 'I pay my respectful hom to his memory and send my heartfelt condolences to bereaved family,' Mr. Naik said."

Re: BJP Hits Out At Shiv Sena's 'new Hindutva' Says 'Sena Siding With Ram Mandir Opposers'

te: All above-mentioned quotations are from Times of India edition of February 26, 1966.