Inauguration of college named after Savarkar triggers political controversy

AN announcement for inaugurating a new college named after Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar triggered a political row, with the Congress and its student wing, NSUI, demanding that the college be renamed after former prime minister Manmohan Singh.

- IFRAH MUFTI @New Delhi

After the announcement, the NSUI wrote to the PM making three demands. "A world-class college under the University of Delhi named after Dr Manmohan Singh; a Central university dedicated to his name; and inclusion of his life journey-from a post-Partition student to a global icon - in academic curricula and political sphere," the NSUI's letter stated.

"Dr Singh's legacy as a scholar, economist, and public servant embodies resilience, merit, and dedication to public welfare. Naming institutions after him will inspire generations and honour his transformative vision," the letter read.