Nashik: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis lashed out at detractors of Swatantryaveer Savarkar , saying that he considered those who doubted the leader’s patriotism ‘anti-national’.In Bhagur, 14km from Nashik, to attend Swatantryaveer Savarkar’s 134th birth anniversary on Sunday morning, Fadnavis addressed a huge gathering of Savarkar’s followers from across the country.“Some people had expressed doubts over the patriotism of Savarkar and his contribution to the freedom struggle. I consider such people as anti-nationals . Unfortunately, such people were made ministers during the earlier governments,” Fadnavis said.He was indirectly referring to the removal of the plaque bearing Veer Savarkar's name and his quote at the freedom fighters' memorial at the Cellular Jail in Port Blair in the Andamans in 2004 by the then Union cabinet minister Mani Shankar Aiyar.“Savarkar was deliberately deprived of the status he deserves in India’s struggle for independence. Not only during the British rule, but he faced injustice even during in independent India as those in power were afraid of his capabilities to win over people’s hearts,” Fadnavis said.The CM , however, reminded the people that the time has changed now. “The present government will leave no stone unturned to preserve his memories and make people aware of his thoughts,” Fadnavis said.The event was organized on behalf of Swatantryaveer Savarkar Janmotsava Samiti and state Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Along with guardian minister Girish Mahajan and MP Harishchandra Chavan, a galaxy of BJP leaders, minister and public representatives attended the event. State BJP vice-president Prasad Lad was the chief organizer of this year’s function. However, senior leaders from the Shiv Sena, including local MP Hemant Godse, who hails from Bhagur, were missing from the dais.Before addressing the gathering at a public meeting near Savarkar memorial, the CM visited Savarkar’s ancestral house and paid tributes to the freedom fighter. The building is conserved as a state monument and Maharashtra government’s archaeology department maintains it.“It’s more fulfilling and pious feeling than visiting a temple. I consider myself blessed to be here on this special day,” Fadnavis wrote in the visitor’s diary here.The entire Bhagur village was painted saffron on the occasion of Savarkar’s birth anniversary. From 2015, this occasion is being celebrated as a national event. Last year, defence minister Manohar Parrikar had attended the celebrations.As Parrikar had inaugurated several infrastructure development projects in Bhagur and adjoining Deolali Cantonment, people were expecting some big announcement from Fadnavis too. But, the CM only gave assurance to set up a Savarkar memorial museum in Bhagur.“As suggested by guardian minister Girish Mahajan, it would be a perfect tribute to Savarkar if we construct a museum and preserve his literature, rare photographs and belongings. I request Mahajan to prepare a proposal as soon as possible,” said CM.Bhagur remained crowded as followers of Savarkar kept visiting the village and his ancestral house all through Sunday. Prior to CM’s visit, Swatantryaveer Savarkar National Memorial Trust presented ‘Shatajanma Shodhitana’, a musical event based on Savarkar’s poetry. A small exhibition of rare photographs and books penned by Savarkar was also organsied at the venue. Villagers had decorated the streets and houses with rangolis.