Congress vs BJP on Naming College After Veer Savarkar

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Delhi University has decided to name an upcoming college after Veer Savarkar.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation for the college.
3. Congress demands that the college be named after former PM Manmohan Singh instead.
4. The BJP has defended the naming, calling Savarkar a true freedom fighter.
5. This dispute is intensifying ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Rising Conflict Between Congress and BJP
Delhi University’s decision to name its new college after Veer Savarkar has sparked a fierce political battle. Congress has strongly opposed this decision, calling instead for the college to be named after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The Congress argues that Singh’s substantial contributions to education and national reforms should be recognized in this way, which would honor his lasting legacy. The BJP, however, remains steadfast in its support for honoring Savarkar, a controversial figure in India’s freedom struggle.

Congress’s Appeal to Honor Manmohan Singh
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), a student wing of Congress, sent a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking for the renaming of the college to Manmohan Singh College. They highlighted Singh’s role in establishing some of India’s premier educational institutions, including IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS. Moreover, Singh’s introduction of the Central Universities Act was a monumental step in education policy. Congress emphasized his instrumental role in liberalizing India’s economy through the 1991 economic reforms.

Senior Congress leaders Naseer Hussain and Sukhjinder Randhawa voiced their objections to Savarkar’s role in history, criticizing him for signing mercy petitions to the British. They questioned the appropriateness of commemorating Savarkar, arguing that his actions contradicted the values of true freedom fighters.

BJP’s Defense of Naming the College After Savarkar
In contrast, BJP leaders have vigorously defended the naming of the college after Veer Savarkar. Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva remarked that it was only Congress that chose which freedom fighters to respect, while Savarkar had always been a committed freedom fighter. BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla further questioned why leaders like Indira Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray, who had praised Savarkar, would be wrong in their admiration of him. BJP’s narrative supports Savarkar’s role as a key figure in the independence movement, emphasizing his contributions rather than the controversies surrounding him.

Details of the College’s Construction
The Veer Savarkar College, slated to be constructed in Najafgarh, Delhi, is expected to cost around ₹140 crore. The project was approved in 2021 by the executive council of Delhi University. Once completed, the college will play a crucial role in improving educational infrastructure in the region.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

1. Delhi University is naming a college after Veer Savarkar, triggering political debate.
2. Congress wants the college named after Manmohan Singh due to his contributions to education.
3. BJP defends the naming, emphasizing Savarkar’s significance in India’s freedom struggle.
4. This debate could influence the outcome of the Delhi Assembly elections.
5. The college will be constructed in Najafgarh at an estimated cost of ₹140 crore.

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