V D Savarkar above Gandhi, Suresh Gopi's ministry in Independence Day poster controversy

NEW DELHI: The Petroleum Ministry's 79th Independence Day celebration poster has drawn sharp criticisms. The controversial poster features Hindu Mahasabha leader V D Savarkar above Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi. Savarkar is seen above Bhagat Singh and Subhash Chandra Bose in the poster. The poster was shared on the Petroleum Ministry's Twitter page. Thrissur MP Suresh Gopi is the Minister of State for Petroleum Ministry.

The poster was shared with the caption 'Freedom is their gift. Our mission is to shape the future'. Opposition parties including the Congress have come out against the poster. The Congress alleged that the Petroleum Ministry's action was an insult to all freedom fighters. There is also a strong demand for the authorities handling the department to respond to the poster. Meantime, some pointed that the poster did not include Nehru. However, the Centre has not yet responded to the controversy. The Petroleum Ministry has not withdrawn the poster.

As we celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s remember — liberty thrives when we nurture it every day, through unity, empathy, and action. 🇮🇳 Happy #IndependenceDay #MoPNG pic.twitter.com/oeb39NlZBb

— Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas #MoPNG (@PetroleumMin) August 15, 2025