Savarkar, Dayanand Saraswati, & Madan Mohan Malviya’s portraits to be installed at Delhi Assembly

The panel underlined that the Assembly has historically commemorated “India’s great freedom fighters” by displaying their portraits, and the inclusion of Veer Savarkar — whose contribution to the freedom struggle is well-recognised — would be both respectful and appropriate.

Gupta said that the decision was taken unanimously by the General Purposes Committee. “This not only pays tribute to the immense contributions of Veer Savarkar, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, but also reflects the Assembly’s collective resolve to preserve democratic ideals and promote a deep-rooted sense of national pride, cultural heritage, and civic responsibility among the people of Delhi,” he added.

“Recognising their enduring contributions to India’s freedom struggle, social reform, and educational renaissance, the Committee resolved to install their statues within the premises of the Delhi Vidhan Sabha. This historic decision reflects the Assembly’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of these visionary leaders who played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s moral, cultural, and intellectual foundations,” read an official statement issued by the Assembly.

The proposal was submitted by BJP MLA and the party’s chief whip, Abhay Verma, who is also a member of the panel. In his proposal, Verma stated that the eminent figures played transformative roles in India’s national movement, social reform, and educational upliftment.

“Honouring them with portraits within the Assembly complex would be a fitting tribute to their lasting legacies and would serve as a source of inspiration for future generations, reinforcing the values of patriotism, service, and democratic ideals,” Verma stated in his proposal.

Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, Chaudhary Zubair Ahmad, Manoj Kumar Shokeen, Raj Kumar Bhatia, Tilak Ram Gupta, and Veer Singh Dhingan were also present at the meeting.