New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed Hindutva ideologue V D Savarkar, saying his personality exuded strength and his fearless and self-respecting nature could not tolerate the mindset of slavery.

Paying homage to Savarkar on his birth anniversary during the 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast, Modi said Savarkar's sacrifice, courage and determination continue to inspire us.

"Today the 28th of May, is the birth anniversary of the great freedom fighter, Veer Savarkar. The stories related to his sacrifice, courage and resolve inspire us all even today. I cannot forget the day when I went to the cell in Andaman where Veer Savarkar underwent the sentence of 'Kala paani'," Modi said.

"Veer Savarkar's personality exuded strength and magnanimity. His fearless and self-respecting nature could not tolerate the mindset of slavery at all. Not only in the freedom movement, whatever Veer Savarkar did for social equality and social justice is remembered even today," he said.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, several Union ministers and MPs paid floral tributes to Savarkar in the Central Hall of the old Parliament building.

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New Delhi: Maktoob Media, an independent digital news outlet known for its coverage of marginalised communities and minority issues, announced on Thursday that its official X (formerly Twitter) account has been withheld in India following a legal request from the Indian government.

The media organisation said the action was taken without any prior notice or explanation to its editorial team. In a statement issued on other platforms, Maktoob condemned the move, calling it an attack on press freedom.

“We have no knowledge of the reason for the government’s arbitrary action. It is an assault on press freedom,” the statement said.

Maktoob Media also reaffirmed its commitment to continue reporting, especially “at a time when truth is becoming a casualty.” The editorial team appealed to supporters to help amplify its journalism by sharing links from its website and other platforms.

“At this hour of crisis, we ask our allies to share links from our website to help people access our reporting. We are many, many more than them,” the statement added.

There has been no official comment from the government regarding the legal basis for the withholding of the account.