He made the demand while attending a function commemorating the martyrdom of Udham Singh in Sunam in the Sangrur district.
Published Jul 31, 2023 | 8:09 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 31, 2023 | 8:09 PM
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann saluting the statue of Udham Singh. (Supplied)
In a populist move, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has demanded that Bharat Ratnas be posthumously awarded to martyrs Udham Singh, Bhagat Singh, and Kartar Singh Sarabha.
He made the demand while attending a function commemorating the martyrdom of Udham Singh in Sunam in the Sangrur district on Monday, 31 July.
Mann said that it was shocking and surprising that none of the previous governments in the state ever thought of getting Punjab martyrs their due for their role in the freedom struggle.
He announced that the Punjab government would make all possible efforts not only to bring back the personal belongings of Udham Singh from London but also everything associated with Bhagat Singh lying in Pakistan.
“Martyrs of Punjab played a vital role in strengthening the very core and foundation of the freedom struggle but never got their due recognition. Shaheed Udham Singh waited for 21 years to avenge the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh and thus laid the foundation of the freedom of the nation,” said Mann.
“We need to put these men across as idols to the generation plagued by drugs and this can be done by celebrating their life with due honours. They were proud sons of the Indian motherland who deserve all recognition. We will strive to get them Bharat Ratna as they continue to inspire generations,” he added.
Attacking the BJP-led Union government over the issue, Mann said the current ruling dispensation is insulting their martyrdom by demolishing the democracy they died fighting for.
“It’s sad that these men died to give freedom and democracy to future generations and the BJP government is working on demolishing both. They are jeopardising the democratic system through ordinances to suit their vested interest,” the chief minister said.
“Modi’s dream of India is in stark contrast to the India envisioned by our freedom fighters and that is what we need to achieve,” added Mann.
