MUMBAI: Maharastra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde today announced that the state will celebrate May 28 - the forthcoming birth anniversary of the state's Hindutva icon Vinayak D. Savarkar - as the 'Swatantryaveer Gaurav Day.' 
Vinayak D. Savarkar, known as "Swatantryaveer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Nashik, and died on February 26, 1966, in Bombay. His 140th birthday will be next month.

To mark the historic occasion, many events and activities will be planned, according to Shinde, to emphasise Savarkar's enormous contribution to the Indian independence movement, spread his ideology, and highlight his campaigns for social reform and the elimination of untouchability throughout the state.

State Minister Uday Samant proposed the creation of the "Swatantryaveer Guarav Day," noting the significance of Savarkar to Maharashtra politics and the need to honour his bravery, patriotism, and forward-thinking ideas for future generations.

The Shiv Sena (UBT), the state's main opposition party, has urged the Shinde Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party government to ask the BJP at the federal level to award Swatantryaveer Savarkar the Bharat Ratna.

In contrast to the Nationalist Congress Party, which has maintained a neutral stance in light of the strong popular feelings, the Congress has taken a critical attitude towards Swatantryaveer Savarkar's participation during the Independence fight, including prominent officials like Rahul Gandhi.

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