New Delhi: The Delhi Assembly will soon display portraits of Veer Savarkar, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, following a resolution passed by the General Purposes Committee chaired by Speaker Vijender Gupta, reported the Hindu.
According to a statement from the Speaker’s office, the portraits will be installed within the Assembly premises to honour the contributions of these figures to India’s freedom struggle, social reform, and educational movements.
The resolution was based on a proposal by committee member Abhay Verma, who said that recognising these personalities would serve as a source of inspiration and uphold values of patriotism, service, and democracy.
“This step not only honours their contributions but also reflects the Assembly’s commitment to preserving democratic ideals and nurturing national pride,” Gupta stated.
However, the decision has sparked criticism from several quarters. Detractors argue that Veer Savarkar, known for his role in shaping the Hindutva ideology and his association with the Hindu Mahasabha, remains a deeply polarising figure. Critics see the move as part of a larger attempt to promote a particular ideological narrative within democratic institutions.
The inclusion of such figures in the Assembly’s gallery, especially Savarkar, has reignited debates about historical representation and political messaging in public spaces.
