Rumours of Savarkar’s portrait in Suvarna Vidhana Soudha rife: Siddaramaiah

Belagavi: Amid rumours that Hindutva ideologue Savarkar’s portrait would adorn the Karnataka Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi along with Mahatma Gandhi, former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Savarkar was a controversial figure.

Karnataka Assembly Speaker Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri, however, remained silent on the question whether the portrait would be put up in the Assembly. He maintained that the issue would be known to the world on Monday, hence, there was no need to speak on it.

“I don’t have information, but people are talking…Someone brought that to my notice. There is no need for the portrait,” Siddaramaiah told reporters.

He sought to know the need to put up the portrait when it has not been placed yet.

“His (Savarkar) was a controversial personality. Those who want his portrait want peace for their soul…,” said the Congress leader.

Denying receipt of any invitation to unveil the portrait or regarding any discussion, Siddaramaiah said this seems to be the BJP’s agenda.

He said, “Savarkar was among those in the Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination case. He is a controversial figure. We have to see. We have not been invited for discussion for now.” Congress State president D K Shivakumar said he is also not aware of any such development.

“I don’t know about it. We were told that the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar will be put up (in Suvarna Vidhana Soudha). Apart from that, we are not aware of things you are talking about,” Shivakumar said.

He also declined to comment if the portrait is inaugurated, saying he should not comment on things he did not know of.

“We will not comment without knowing facts. Why are you creating things? I am not deaf. When I heard that the portrait of Gandhiji and Baba Saheb Ambedkar will be unveiled, we were filled with joy and pride,” Shivakumar said.

Shivakumar, however, said he would discuss the issue in the party forum after it is brought to his notice.

Vishveshwar Hegde Kageri , however, did not give any reply on this issue, but asked people to see on Monday as to whose portrait would be unveiled.

“What else should I say about things which are going to become known to the world tomorrow (Monday)?” Kageri said.

To a question whether putting up portrait was the decision of the House or the Speaker, Kageri said being the Speaker himself, he is responsible for whatever happens in the House.

“I am responsible. Since I am the Speaker, I am responsible,” he added.