Protest in Ratnagiri Over Alleged Redevelopment of Savarkar’s Mumbai Residence

Members of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) and several affiliated right-wing organisations staged a protest on Friday in Ratnagiri against the alleged proposed demolition and commercial redevelopment of “Savarkar Sadan” in Mumbai, the residence associated with Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar.

The protesters demanded that the state government or the Centre immediately acquire the property and declare it a national monument , preserving it as a protected heritage site. They also called for the establishment of a museum, digital library, and research centre at the location to showcase Savarkar’s writings and historical materials.

In a statement, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh HJS coordinator Sunil Ghanwat strongly criticised the proposed redevelopment, terming it “unfortunate” that a site linked to Savarkar whom he described as a key figure associated with the idea of “Akhand Bharat” was facing what he called a demolition threat from the builder lobby.

The organisation also pointed out that although the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had recommended in 2010 that the structure be included in the heritage list , the Maharashtra government has not taken a final decision for over 15 years, leaving its status unresolved.

Protesters further drew comparisons between the protection granted to other historical properties in Mumbai and the alleged neglect of Savarkar Sadan, intensifying their demand for urgent state intervention.

Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Vishva Hindu Parishad, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, and Sanatan Sanstha also took part in the agitation.

The HJS warned that if the government fails to act promptly to secure the property, it would launch a statewide agitation across Maharashtra .