Picture : @BhagwantMann/X
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to honour the martyrs and build ‘Rangla Punjab’ (vibrant Punjab) rooted in their dreams and vision, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann invoked the legacy of the nation’s greatest revolutionaries and questioned the “continued denial” of Bharat Ratna to these freedom fighters by the Centre.
The chief minister, who paid tributes to legendary freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on the occasion of Shaheedi Divas, asserted that India’s trajectory would have been profoundly different had such courageous, youth-driven leadership shaped its early years and the country’s reins had been handed over to such youths.
Mann also laid the foundation stone of the Hussainiwala Heritage Complex to be built for Rs 24.99 crore under the centrally funded Bharat Darshan Scheme.
Criticism of Central Government
Later, while addressing a gathering, Mann said, “Certain selfish leaders in the country have built stadiums in their own names even while being alive. However, they have done little to honour gallant martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev who smilingly embraced the gallows for the sake of the freedom of the motherland.”
“These iconic revolutionaries sacrificed their lives at a young age, but after Independence, others occupied the corridors of power and took credit for the freedom they did not fight for,” said Mann, adding that his government had to fight to get Mohali airport named as Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport.
Attacking the Modi-led central government, Mann said some thankless leaders now claim that India got “true Independence” only in 2014, which is a grave insult to our martyrs,” he said, adding that it was shocking that some even describe Bhagat Singh merely as a “social worker” and not a martyr.
Calling upon people to draw inspiration from the martyrs, he said that it was a day to remember these legendary heroes, to read and listen to their stories, which continue to inspire generations of youth, adding that political priorities have long been misplaced due to self-obsessed leaders who have been using the power given by the people for their own vested interests.
Highlighting further steps, Mann said that even the Halwara airport was being named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, whom Shaheed Bhagat Singh regarded as his mentor.
