Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Veer Savarkar College in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, on January 3, 2025, marking a significant development ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections. The move has triggered strong political debates, especially regarding the decision to name the institution after Veer Savarkar, a controversial figure in India’s freedom struggle.
The college, which comes with a substantial investment of ₹140 crore, will cover a total constructed area of 18,816.56 square meters. It is strategically located near the Urban Extension Road (UER) highway and the proposed West Campus, enhancing accessibility for students. The facility will feature 24 classrooms, eight tutorial spaces, 40 faculty offices, departmental libraries, conference rooms, and a cafeteria. The establishment of the college is part of Delhi University’s broader initiative to set up campuses across the city’s four cardinal points.
While the new college promises to provide state-of-the-art facilities to students, the decision to honor Veer Savarkar with the naming of the institution has sparked controversy. Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighter and a staunch advocate of Hindutva, is revered by many, but his legacy remains divisive. His contentious ideological views, especially his early association with the British during India’s freedom struggle, have led to differing opinions regarding his role in the independence movement.
The Congress party, in particular, has vehemently opposed the naming of the college after Savarkar. Congress leader Naseer Hussain accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using Savarkar’s legacy for electoral gain in Delhi. “There are countless freedom fighters who gave their lives for India’s sovereignty. Naming the college after one of them would have been a genuine tribute,” Hussain stated, referring to the idea of honoring another freedom fighter instead of Savarkar.
Hussain further criticized the BJP, claiming that the party is endorsing individuals whose actions during the freedom struggle remain controversial. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), an arm of Congress, has also proposed that the college be named after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a suggestion that has not been received well by BJP leaders.
In defense of the decision, BJP leaders have strongly supported the naming of the college after Savarkar. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla rejected Congress’s criticisms, accusing the party of disrespecting historical figures who shaped the nation’s future. “Congress has repeatedly shown disrespect towards revered leaders,” Poonawalla stated.
BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar also responded to the Congress’s opposition, claiming that the party fails to understand India’s diverse history. He asserted that India’s progress was shaped by several leaders, including Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and Veer Savarkar, who had been ignored or misrepresented by the Congress party. “If Congress doesn’t understand the history of India, they should buy history textbooks and educate themselves,” he added, emphasizing the government’s commitment to honoring all leaders who contributed to the nation’s independence and development.