Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday asserted that his government was trying to rectify the "mistakes" of the previous governments which did not honour deserving warriors and leaders, as he laid the foundation stone for a statue of warrior king Maharaja Suheldev of Shravasti in Bahraich on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister accused the previous governments of not honouring deserving leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr BR Ambedkar.
"It is unfortunate that deserving leaders were not given the place of pride they deserved," Modi said, adding that his government was trying to rectify the mistakes of the past governments.
Announcing the opening of the medical college in Bahraich, Prime Minister Modi said, "Increasing health facilities in the aspirational district of Bahraich will not only make the lives of its residents easier but its benefits will be available to the surrounding districts as well as, and help patients coming from Nepal and other parts of the country."
In order to boost tourism, the prime minister unveiled programmes for the beautification of Shravasti, Chittora Lake and Bahraich on the occasion and said that a 40-ft. high statue of Maharaja Suheldev would be made. To attract tourists from across the world, he announced the development of roads, Chittora Lake and various tourist amenities like a cafeteria, guest house, and a children's park, etc.
Laying the foundation stone of Maharaja Suheldev memorial and development of Chittora Lake, Modi said, "This Basant Panchami has come with new hopes and new enthusiasm for India that is moving forward, leaving behind the despair of the pandemic."
Speaking on the greatness of the forgotten 11th century king, Maharaja Suheldev, and giving him the respect and popularity he deserves, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing the event in Bahraich, said that the opening of Maharaja Suheldev Medical College would be a great step in the health sector. He said it would provide affordable and up-to-date medical facilities to the people of the state.
Paying tributes to Maharaja Suheldev on his birth anniversary, the chief minister said, "The unforgettable contribution made by Maharaja Suheldev to protect the country and religion is exemplary for all. His valour and struggle will always keep inspiring the people of the country."
He added: "It was the great resistance of Maharaja Suheldev that for over 100 years, no Britisher could muster the courage to attack India."
Marking February 16 as an important day for the country, Yogi Adityanath appreciated the prime minister and said that it was for the first time in history that any government had taken concerted steps to popularise Suheldev.
The chief minister also said that earlier, in February 2016, Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah had unveiled a statue of Maharaja Suheldev and launched a book on him in the Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border, where the medieval king enjoys legendary status. He said after a month or two, the Central government also released a postal stamp, and run a superfast train - 'The Suhaildev Express'. The tri-weekly train covers the breadth of India's most populous state i.e. from Ghazipur in Purvanchal to Anand Vihar in Delhi.
Remembering the Chauri Chaura incident, Yogi Adityanath said that as a tribute to the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle and to sensitise the young generation about the valour of little known or unknown freedom fighters, the UP government has decided to old year-long centenary celebrations of the historic event.
Ending his speech, Yogi said that under the guidance of the prime minister, the task of reviving the memories and glorious history of Maharaja Suheldev, who was forgotten for nearly a thousand years, was being done.