Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday unveiled a new statue of Bhagat Singh at a park in Malviya Nagar on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas and criticised the opposition for questioning the BJP government’s commitment to patriotism. The unveiling comes amid a political controversy that erupted last month over the damaged statue of Bhagat Singh at the same park in Malviya Nagar. Upadhyaya had accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA of neglecting thestatue’s condition.

Gupta stated “Directives have previously been issued to concerned departments, officials, and organisations within the Delhi Government regarding the respectful maintenance of the National Flag and the Statues of the country’s revered historical figures. Our National Flag and the Statues of our nation’s distinguished heroes represent our illustrious history, struggle for independence, and cultural heritage. Their dignified preservation constitutes not merely our obligation but serves as a wellspring of patriotic sentiment and inspiration for future generations. We bear the responsibility to honor these emblems and contribute to their conservation”.

 Taking a swipe at the opposition, she recalled how they had earlier raised a furore over Bhagat Singh’s picture after her government took office.

 “They asked questions, but when Bhagat Singh’s statue was broken earlier, they never spoke about its repair. Where was their patriotism then? Today on Shaheed Diwas, we have installed a new statue because we truly honour our national heroes,” she said addressing the gathering on the occasion.

 The chief minister said “it is a very special occasion for me as two important people in my life” — Malviya Nagar MLA Satish Upadhyaya and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj — “are present here”.

 “I want to tell Bansuri that she has a lot of work ahead in carrying forward the legacy of former CM Sushma Swaraj,” she added.Exhorting people to join Prime Minister Narendra Modi in improving the system and contributing to nation-building, she said, “You should not blame the authorities for the poor facilities or insanitation around you. You can take the

lead yourself in cleaning and beautifying the city, just as PM Modi himself wielded the broom.”

She said each Delhiite can look for a role in making Delhi beautiful, cleaning the Yamuna, and fighting air pollution.

The AAP had earlier accused the BJP government of removing the pictures of Bhagat Singh and BR Ambedkar from the chief minister’s office after assuming power.  The BJP, however, rubbished the charges and accused the AAP of using the controversy to divert attention from corruption allegations against its leaders.

 Shaheed Diwas, observed on March 23, marks the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, who were hanged in 1931.  The three revolutionaries remain enduring symbols of courage and nationalism in India’s freedom struggle.

Speaking at an event to mark Lord Adityanath’s birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said, “All of us should take inspiration from his ideals and continuously strive for the welfare of society and the nation.”