Bihar: Brij Bhushan Singh’s remarks on Freedom struggle spark debate

Patna: A fresh debate has been triggered following remarks by former Member of Parliament Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh during the ‘Babu Veer Kunwar Singh Vijayotsav’ event held in Bhagalpur on Thursday.

Referring to the popular song “Sabarmati ke Sant…”, Singh said that attributing the entire credit for India’s independence solely to Mahatma Gandhi undermines the sacrifices of numerous revolutionaries who fought for the nation’s freedom.

He highlighted the contributions of freedom fighters such as Rani Lakshmibai, Veer Kunwar Singh, Birsa Munda and Devi Bakhsh Singh, stating that many such figures have not received due recognition in mainstream historical narratives.

Quoting poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, he said that history will record the fate of those who remained neutral, adding that society’s silence has contributed to the neglect of several revolutionaries.

Singh also commented on the framing of the Constitution, stating that while B. R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role, the document was the result of collective efforts by members of the Constituent Assembly.

He emphasised contributions from leaders across regions, including Bihar.

Earlier in Patna, Governor Syed Ata Hasnain paid floral tributes at the statue of Veer Kunwar Singh at Veer Kunwar Singh Azadi Park.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Kumar Choudhary and Bijendra Prasad Yadav, also paid homage on the occasion.

At the state headquarters of the Rashtriya Janata Dal, the birth anniversary of Veer Kunwar Singh was commemorated under the leadership of State President Mangni Lal Mandal, where leaders paid floral tributes to the freedom fighter.

Addressing party workers, Mandal described Veer Kunwar Singh as a towering figure of the 1857 uprising, noting that even at the age of 80, he fought against British rule alongside leaders like Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope and Bahadur Shah Zafar.

He emphasised that Kunwar Singh symbolised unity and sacrifice, with people from different communities fighting together under his leadership for India’s independence.

IANS