Savarkar Flex Row: Controversy surfaces in Bengaluru after photo put up in metro station

A photo of Veer Savarkar in the flex installed in the premises of Majestic Metro by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation's (BMRCL) station has sparked a controversy in the city.

The flex contains the photos of freedom fighters Chandrashekar Azad and Udham Singh along with Veer Savarkar. This has stirred a debate on social media.

'Bhutva Karnataka', an organisation fighting for pluralism objected to it and posted a message on social media, triggering 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?" the post questioned, as per a report by IANS.

Syed Mueen, a social media user, said, "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."

Another user Deepak Pai, replied, "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?"

The Metro authorities have maintained silence and not responded to any of the objections. Installation of Veer Savarkar's photos and flexes have triggered objections at many places in the state.

The issue of vacating flex of Veer Savarkar has resulted in violence and stabbing of two persons in Shivamogga city and prohibitory orders have been clamped till August 18.

(With inputs from agencies)