Chittorgarh, August 16: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a 21-foot statue of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Nimbahera, Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan, on Saturday. During the event, he also launched and laid the foundation stone for 944 development projects worth approximately ₹5,659 crore across 15 districts in Rajasthan. Upon his arrival, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma welcomed Amit Shah with a traditional turban.
In his address, Amit Shah referred to Vande Mataram, stating, “Congress has forgotten Vande Mataram in its greed for vote banks. Thousands of freedom fighters recited these immortal words by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, sacrificing their lives and enduring imprisonment for years.”
He criticized Congress, saying, “On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, while Vande Mataram was being sung at the Congress headquarters, Sonia Gandhi interrupted the song. We all saw it on TV. After 80 years, this immortal anthem was regaining its respect, but it did not sit well with Sonia Gandhi. The people of this country will never forgive this sin.”
Amit Shah noted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to revive its significance from the ramparts of the Red Fort.
Discussing the development projects, he mentioned that today marked the inauguration and foundation laying of 944 projects worth ₹5,659 crore across 15 districts. He compared the achievements of the central government, stating, “When Prime Minister Modi launched the Har Ghar Nal and Har Ghar Jal schemes, only 11 lakh homes in Rajasthan had access to water. In 70 years, Congress managed to provide water to 11 lakh homes, but in just 8 years, Prime Minister Modi has extended water supply to 64 lakh homes.”
He asserted, “In 70 years, Congress did what was six times less than what Prime Minister Modi has achieved in 8 years.” Remembering Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary, Amit Shah remarked that the BJP workers have created a grand statue and memorial in line with Vajpayee’s personality on this sacred land of Chittorgarh. The statue, built at a cost of ₹1.5 crore, reflects ‘Atal Ji’s’ ideals. He expressed gratitude to every worker involved in this project.
He added, “For centuries, the brave land of Rajasthan has been a beacon of valor for patriots across the country. This land has conveyed to the Mughals that no one can bend us.”
Amit Shah concluded by stating, “When Atal Bihari Vajpayee became a journalist, he promoted nationalism through his pen. As a poet, he advanced nationalism through his words. As a Prime Minister, he enhanced national security and good governance. He never compromised on principles, whether in power or in opposition, which is why he is known as a free spirit, a great man without an enemy.” The event was attended by a large number of BJP workers and local residents.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.