- Amit Shah unveiled a 21-foot statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Chittorgarh.
- Development projects worth ₹5,755 crore launched across 15 Rajasthan districts.
- Shah accused Congress of disrespecting ‘Vande Mataram’ for vote-bank politics.
- Home Minister highlighted BJP governments’ focus on tribal welfare and infrastructure.
GG News Bureau
CHITTORGARH, 16th Aug: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Saturday unveiled a 21-foot-tall statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Chittorgarh and inaugurated or laid the foundation stones for 944 development projects worth ₹5,755 crore across 15 districts of Rajasthan.
The event, held on the death anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and other senior leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Shah described Vajpayee as a statesman whose life was guided by the principles of nationalism and “Nation First.” He said Vajpayee remained committed to his ideals throughout four decades in the Opposition and later as Prime Minister, adding that he transformed India into a nuclear power despite international pressure, launched the Golden Quadrilateral highway project and established the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Highlighting the significance of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, Shah said that ‘Vande Mataram’ was sung in its entirety from the Red Fort and at Independence Day functions across the country for the first time since Independence. He alleged that the Congress had neglected the national song for decades due to “vote-bank politics.”
Without naming Sonia Gandhi directly, the Home Minister referred to the controversy at the Congress headquarters on Independence Day and alleged that a senior opposition leader had sought to stop the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ midway. He said the people of the country would not forgive any insult to the national song and accused the Opposition of being uncomfortable with its renewed prominence.
Paying tribute to Vajpayee, Shah said the former Prime Minister strengthened nationalism as a journalist, inspired patriotism through his poetry and advanced national security and good governance during his tenure in office. He added that leaders of Vajpayee’s stature, who never compromised on principles whether in power or in Opposition, are rare.
The Home Minister also highlighted the Narendra Modi government’s initiatives for tribal welfare, saying the Scheduled Tribe component budget had increased from ₹25,000 crore to ₹1.25 lakh crore. He cited the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, the establishment of museums dedicated to tribal freedom fighters, expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools and the appointment of tribal Chief Ministers in several states as key achievements.
On development in Rajasthan, Shah said the Bhajan Lal Sharma government had moved swiftly to fulfil its commitments. He credited the Centre’s Har Ghar Nal Se Jal mission with increasing household tap water connections in the state from 11 lakh to 64 lakh. He also highlighted agreements aimed at addressing water scarcity, investments worth ₹35 lakh crore secured through the Rising Rajasthan initiative, the formulation of 36 new policies and employment generation through job fairs.
Shah further said the Rajasthan government had expanded healthcare coverage under the Pradhan Mantri-Mukhyamantri Ayush Arogya Yojana, introduced the Lado Protsahan Yojana, provided subsidised LPG cylinders and undertaken large-scale environmental initiatives.
Concluding his address, the Home Minister said Rajasthan was poised for rapid development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, while asserting that the BJP remained committed to public service and development.
