Rajasthan: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah unveiled a 21-foot-tall statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Chittorgarh on his death anniversary. On this occasion, 944 development projects worth ₹5,755 crore, spanning 15 districts of Rajasthan, were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid. Several dignitaries, including Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, were present at the event.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that a significant shift was witnessed during the 80th Independence Day celebrations, with “Vande Mataram” being sung at the Red Fort and at events across the country. He emphasized the song’s historic role in inspiring freedom fighters who faced imprisonment, lathi-charges, gunfire, and even death.
Amit Shah stated that Atal Bihari Vajpayee embraced the spirit of patriotism and the principle of ‘Nation First’ from his youth. Despite spending four decades in the opposition, facing imprisonment, and enduring hardships, he never compromised on his principles. Shah noted that upon becoming Prime Minister, he was the first to assume the office without ever having been a member of the main opposition party.
Amit Shah stated that during his tenure as Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee transformed India into a nuclear power, connected villages with roads, and launched initiatives like the Golden Quadrilateral. He also gave a new direction to the development of tribal communities by establishing the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
He also highlighted the Modi government’s focus on tribal welfare, which includes increasing the ST budget to ₹1.25 lakh crore, observing Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas’, establishing tribal museums, and opening 722 Eklavya schools.
Amit Shah stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Rajasthan government has rapidly fulfilled several election promises. Under the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ initiative, investments worth ₹35 lakh crore were secured, 36 new policies were formulated, and 1.78 lakh youths gained employment.
He stated that water projects would bring relief to a large part of Rajasthan. Additionally, initiatives such as gas cylinder subsidies, benefits for 4.5 million people under the Ayush Arogya Yojana, and the Lado Protsahan Yojana have been launched.
(PIB)
