Controversy erupts in Bengaluru after Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) put up a photo of Hindutva ideologue Savarkar in the flex installed on the premises of Majestic Metro station.
The flex contains the photos of freedom fighters Chandrashekar Azad and Udham Singh alongside a picture Savarkar.
The issue has created a debate on social media with ‘Bahutva Karnataka’, an organisation fighting for pluralism objecting to it. The group posted a message on social media, which triggered a debate.
“Hello, officers of BMRCL, why have you put up Savarkar’s photo? What is his contribution? Why should we respect someone who apologised to the British? Didn’t you get anyone else, whose order is this?” Bahutva Karnataka’s post asked.
A social media user, Syed Mueen tweeted, “Well-known mercy petitioner Savarkar’s photo is placed with freedom fighters in Majestic Metro station. There is much controversy and outrage from people calling him a British bootlicker.”
“Well-known agents of the British who divided India are Jinnah and Nehru. Savarkar is a freedom fighter. Indian parliament does have Savarkar photo. Do you have the guts to remove it?” another user Deepak Pai, replied.
However, the Bengaluru Metro authorities have not yet responded to the objections. Installation of Veer Savarkar’s photos and flexes on the eve of 75th independence day have triggered objections at several places across the state.
The issue of vacating Savarkar’s flex has also resulted in violence and the stabbing of two persons in Shivamogga city and prohibitory orders have been imposed till August 18.
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Rabia Shireen is a Staff Reporter at The Cognate.
