BJP-Congress clash over DU’s Savarkar College.
The Veer Savarkar College, set to be constructed in Roshanpura, Najafgarh, will mark a significant addition to Delhi University’s academic infrastructure. Estimated to cost ₹140 crore, the project aims to enhance educational opportunities in the region. The college is expected to feature state-of-the-art facilities, reflecting the government’s focus on advancing higher education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the ambitious project, highlighting its importance. The establishment of the Veer Savarkar College has sparked political debate, with differing views on its naming, but it remains a key initiative in expanding academic excellence.
Delhi University to Establish Veer Savarkar College Amid Political Controversy
Delhi University (DU) has announced plans to name one of its upcoming colleges after Veer Savarkar, a significant yet polarizing figure in India’s freedom struggle and political history. However, the move has sparked a heated political debate, with the Congress’s student wing demanding the college be named after former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh instead.
This institution will serve as a cornerstone for expanding educational opportunities in the area. The decision to honor Veer Savarkar, a freedom fighter and a proponent of Hindutva ideology, has reignited discussions on his legacy. While supporters praise him as a visionary leader who contributed significantly to India’s independence, critics argue that his divisive ideology warrants careful consideration before associating his name with academic institutions.
Broader Expansion Plans
The naming controversy aside, the Veer Savarkar College is part of a larger initiative to bolster Delhi University’s infrastructure and outreach. Alongside the college in Najafgarh, the project includes two academic blocks in different parts of the city. One will be constructed at the eastern campus in Surajmal Vihar, east Delhi, while the other will be situated in the western campus at Dwarka.
These projects collectively represent an investment exceeding ₹600 crore and are intended to provide cutting-edge facilities for education and research. The initiatives reflect DU’s commitment to improving access to higher education and fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to lay the foundation stone for all three projects, underscoring their significance to the government’s vision for enhancing educational infrastructure. This event is expected to mark a milestone in Delhi University’s ongoing development, but it has also intensified the political row surrounding the naming of the Najafgarh college.
Political Row Over Naming
The Congress’s student wing has criticized the decision to name the college after Veer Savarkar, suggesting that the late Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a celebrated economist and DU alumnus, would be a more fitting namesake. This demand has escalated the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with both parties defending their stances.
Supporters of the decision argue that honoring Veer Savarkar recognizes his contributions to India’s freedom movement and national identity. Conversely, detractors emphasize the importance of inclusivity and argue that naming a college after Manmohan Singh, known for his intellectual acumen and transformative economic policies, would better align with DU’s values.
A Step Forward Amid Controversy
Despite the political discord, the construction of Veer Savarkar College, alongside the other planned academic blocks, marks a significant step in DU’s expansion. The projects aim to address the growing demand for quality education and reinforce the university’s reputation as a premier institution.
As the debate over naming continues, the focus remains on ensuring that the new facilities meet the highest standards and serve as centers of learning and innovation for future generations.