Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Nov 5: A proposal to rename a circle in Suratkal by the local BJP MLA has stirred a controversy that has gained media attention even at the national level.
Last week, Mangaluru North MLA Bharath Shetty, during a council meeting, mooted a proposal to name Suratkal circle after Veer Savarkar. He placed the proposal before the standing committee on town planning.
However, his proposal has not gone down well with opposition parties, who have condemned his action and threatened a protest.
Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has warned of holding a district-wide protest if Suratkal circle is named after Savarkar.
Defending his move, MLA Bharath Shetty speaking to daijiworld said, "I do not know why they (Congress, SDPI and others) are opposing this. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a freedom fighter who dedicated his life for the nation. Even the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had good words for him. I do not know why they are calling him a controversial figure, he is not controversial figure. He is freedom fighter and a great leader.
"His work inspired many other freedom fighters. He is the only freedom who underwent Kalapani punishment twice. He lived his entire life for us, not for himself. We cannot forget people who lived their life only for us.
"I do not know what Congress and SDPI contend. It is likely that there might be some preconception or political motivation. I am not bothered about it. I think they should read history. The proposal is under legal process, and it will take its due course," the MLA said.
SDPI in a media release condemned the proposal. SDPI corporator Muneeb Bengre said, '"We have already discussed the issue in the party meeting. If the Surthkal junction is named after Savarkar, we will take legal action against it. We will also hold district-wide protests. I will also oppose this in the next town planning standing committee meeting," he said.
Munib Bengre, Shamshad Aboobakkar and opposition leader A C Vinaraj have sought notices for the meeting.
Speaking to daijiworld, corporator Vinayaraj said, "We will oppose the proposal to name Suratkal junction after Veer Savarkar. Savarkar was in prision for two years in Mahathma Gandhiji's assasiation case and was involved in murder conspiracy. He wrote three apologies to the British government when he was in Andaman jail. There is no historical mention of his contribution to the country. We will not accept a person who supported Godse, the person who assassinated Gandhi. We will discuss the further course of action after holding discussions in the party."