The General Purposes Committee of the Delhi Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday to install portraits of Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya within the Assembly premises. The committee, chaired by Speaker Vijender Gupta, emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to upholding the values and enduring legacy of India’s revered national heroes.

The panel highlighted that the Assembly has historically commemorated India’s greatest freedom fighters by displaying their portraits, and the inclusion of Veer Savarkar is both respectful and appropriate, recognising his contributions to the freedom struggle.

“This not only pays tribute to the immense contributions of Veer Savarkar, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya but also reflects the Assembly’s collective resolve to preserve democratic ideals and promote a deep-rooted sense of national pride, cultural heritage, and civic responsibility among the people of Delhi,” added Speaker Gupta.

Proposal for Portraits

The proposal was submitted by BJP MLA and party chief whip Abhay Verma, who is also a member of the committee. In his proposal, Verma stated that these eminent figures played transformative roles in India’s national movement, social reforms, and educational upliftment.

However, the move has faced criticism from several quarters, with opponents arguing that figures like Veer Savarkar are deeply polarizing due to their controversial political and ideological legacy.