Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], August 16 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday paid tribute at the statue of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan on his death anniversary.
Bowing to his memories, the Chief Minister recalled Vajpayee's towering contribution to Indian politics. On the same occasion, CM Yogi also offered floral tributes to freedom fighter and warrior queen Rani Avanti Bai Lodhi on her birth anniversary.
Remembering Vajpayee, the Chief Minister said the former Prime Minister's six-decade-long political journey gave a new direction to Indian politics. He upheld India's core values and ideals, demonstrated the true model of development within the country, and ensured the honour of India and Bhartiyata on the global stage.
The Chief Minister added that whether in the ruling party or in the opposition, Atalji always upheld these values and lived them through his effective leadership. He said it is a matter of great pride for Uttar Pradesh that Vajpayee began his political journey from the state.
Recalling his electoral legacy, CM Yogi noted that Atalji was first elected to the Lok Sabha in 1957 from the Balrampur constituency. Later, he represented Lucknow in Parliament for five consecutive terms, eventually rising to become the Prime Minister of India. He served as a member of the Lok Sabha ten times and as a member of the Rajya Sabha twice.
Remembering Atalji is not only an inspiration for the present generation, but also guidance for the generations to come. On his death anniversary, the people of the state bowed to his memory and offered their humble tribute.
On the 195th birth anniversary of Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid a heartfelt tribute, highlighting several government schemes and programmes.
He recalled that Avanti Bai Lodhi waged a fierce struggle against tyrannical rule for India's independence and laid down her life for the motherland. Her unmatched courage and supreme sacrifice, he said, remain an inspiration for every Indian.
As a mark of respect to her valour and patriotism, the double-engine government has established a new PAC battalion in Badaun, dedicated in her name. The Chief Minister said this battalion is especially dedicated to the daughters of Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also informed that the state government is moving swiftly on its plan to install a statue of Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi. He added that the government has consistently taken significant steps to honour and recognise women's power in Uttar Pradesh.
The state government has also honoured the legacy of women warriors by naming key institutions after them. A Central Agricultural University has been established in Jhansi in the name of Rani Lakshmibai, while a Medical College in Banda has been dedicated to Maharani Durgavati. In addition, three new PAC battalions have been raised in the names of Veerangana Uda Devi in Lucknow, Veerangana Jhalkaribai in Gorakhpur, and Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi in Badaun.
CM Yogi said that, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a program is also underway to construct seven working women's hostels in the state to preserve the memories of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. These hostels will provide safe shelter to women and encourage them to take up employment while being safe. In the last eight years, more than 2,19,000 recruitments have been made in Uttar Pradesh Police, in which 20 percent of posts have been reserved for women.
The Chief Minister also said that the sacrifice and struggle of the great warrior of Bharat Mata will forever remain a source of inspiration, and heartfelt obeisance is offered at her feet.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, BJP State President Bhupendra Singh Patel, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal and others were present.