Latest news with #MaharajaSuheldev
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
End glorification of invaders, honour national heroes: Yogi
Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday opposed the glorification of Syed Salar Masud and commended the officials who prevented events in the honour of invaders, saying that no event celebrating foreign aggressors should be allowed in the state. Inaugurating a 40-foot-high statue of Maharaja Suheldev, an icon of the Rajbhar community who had defeated and killed Salar Masud in a battle on the banks of Chittora Lake in Bahraich in 1033 AD, the CM said that the punishment given to the "foreign invader after being captured guaranteed him a place in hell according to Islam". The remarks came in the backdrop of the denial of permission to annual Jeth Mela in Bahraich and a 900-year-old fair in the name of Bale Mian or Masud in Gorakhpur by the respective district administration. "Freedom from the mentality of slavery means a complete ban on events held in the name of Salar Masud. No event celebrating foreign aggressors should be held," he said. "The Congress, Samajwadi Party, and other opposition parties did not celebrate the contribution of icons like Maharaja Suheldev. Why were no grand memorials, universities, or medical colleges named after such figures in the past? These parties indulge in divisive politics and do not acknowledge the evils of foreign invaders for fear of losing their Muslim votebank," the CM said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like USDJPY đang đi lên không? IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Referring to the battle in Chittora, Yogi said, "To stop the barbaric foreign invader who moved from Ghazni along with his 3-lakh-strong army to loot India, Maharaja Suheldev led the resistance from Mathura to Bahraich. By the time the invader reached (Bahraich), half of his army had already perished." "When Masud reached Chittora, Maharaja Suheldev had 20,000-25,000 soldiers while Salar Masud had 1.5 lakh warriors. But these 20,000-25,000 bravehearts emerged victorious. Evil Salar Masud was caught alive, and was given such a punishment that it guaranteed him a place in hell according to Islam," he said. He proposed that a three-day 'Vijayotsav' should be celebrated from next year onwards to commemorate Maharaja Suheldev's victory over Syed Salar Masood in the Battle of Bahraich. He also called for organisation of academic programmes on Suheldev, wider distribution of the Maharaja Suheldev Memorial Trust magazine, scholarships for students, and the construction of a good library. "This will ensure that no one can erase the legacy of national heroes like Maharaja Suheldev from the pages of history," he said. He said that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instruction that national heroes should be honoured. "History may have done injustice to him (Maharaja Suheldev) but this double-engine govt will not allow it," he said. The CM also launched 384 development projects worth approximately Rs 1,243 crore which were related to connectivity, education, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure, bridges, health centres, Jal Jeevan Mission, and flood control. "BJP has been remembering national leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through the Statue of Unity, while SP has been venerating MA Jinnah. When we talked about celebrating Suheldev's valour, SP and Congress argued over holding events for Ghazi Miyan. We have made it clear that glorifying invaders must end, and national heroes must be honoured," Yogi said. Elaborating on Suheldev's valour, the CM said that in his fight with Masud, he presented a strategic and valiant response but was never recognised for it. "The BJP govt named Bahraich's medical college and the state university in Azamgarh after him. Our govt's main events in Bahraich will now be dedicated to Suheldev, Rishi Balark, and Maa Pateshwari," he said. Yogi thanked party workers for ensuring the grand celebration in honour of Suheldev. "Your enthusiasm since shows that the fair must celebrate Maharaja Suheldev, not invaders like Salar Masud. Respecting heritage means honouring Suheldev. Freedom from colonial mindset means ending events held in the name of Masud. Today, your discipline and unity reflect respect for law and the Constitution," he said. He added that even those who fought beside Suheldev to protect India's lands and faith from foreign invaders and were also deprived of recognition and benefits would also be recognised. BOX Memorial for Maharaja Bijli Pasi to come up in Lucknow: CM Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Tuesday that a memorial for Dalit icon Maharaja Bijli Pasi will be built in Lucknow. Speaking after the inauguration of a statue of Maharaja Suheldev, he said that the BJP govt will ensure that historical figures who protected India's culture and traditions but were ignored by parties ruling earlier, receive the respect they deserve. "A grand memorial of Maharaja Bijli Pasi, who defeated foreign invaders, will be built in Lucknow," he said. Maharaja Bijli Pasi is a legendary figure from the Pasi (Dalit) community who is believed to have ruled parts of Uttar Pradesh during the 12th century. He also recalled four women warriors from the Uprising of 1857 who stood up against British forces and said that the medical college and university in Jhansi had been named after Rani Laxmibai. "In Budaun, a women's PAC battalion has been formed in the name of Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi, and her equestrian statue will be installed there. In Lucknow, construction is underway for a women's PAC battalion named after Veerangana Uda Devi. A similar battalion is also being established in Gorakhpur in the name of Jhalkari Bai, along with a grand statue," he said.
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Opp scared of losing minority vote bank, silent on foreign invaders in past: CM Yogi Adityanath
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday targeted the Opposition parties, hitting out at the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in particular, and claimed that 'fear of losing minority vote bank' prevented these parties from uttering a word against foreign invaders of the country in the past. Adityanath was in Bahraich to attend an event, 'Vijayotsav of Maharaja Suheldev', during which he inaugurated a memorial dedicated to Maharaja Suheldev and unveiled his equestrian statue. He also questioned why national icons such as Maharaja Suheldev were not honoured earlier and no grand memorials, universities or medical colleges were named after such personalities in the past. The CM said, 'While the BJP commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with the Statue of Unity, the SP sings praises of divisive figures such as Jinnah. When we talked about celebrating Suheldev's valour, the SP and the Congress argued over holding weddings for Ghazi Miyan. We have made it clear — glorifying invaders must end and national heroes must be honoured.' The state government has built the memorial at a cost of around Rs 40 crore and has also established a 40-ft bronze equestrian statue of Maharaja Suheldev. Adityanath also inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 384 development projects worth Rs 1,243 crore and planted a sapling under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. He thanked those who discontinued events held in the name of Ghazi Miyan and also remembered Maharaja Balbhadra Singh on his birth anniversary. The CM pointed out that Maharaja Suheldev, a millennium ago, had presented a strategic and valiant response to foreign invaders, yet never received the honour he deserved in history. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi's campaign for development and heritage inspired our double-engine government to honour Maharaja Suheldev,' he said. He added that Bahraich's medical college has been named after Maharaja Suheldev, as has the state university in Azamgarh. The hospital is named after Rishi Balark. 'Our main events in Bahraich will now be dedicated to Suheldev, Rishi Balark and Maa Pateshwari—not any foreign invader,' the CM said. He said that Salar Masud, a foreign invader who marched into India with an army of around 300,000, was 'systematically stopped from Mathura to Bahraich by Maharaja Suheldev's strategic brilliance'. By the time Masud reached Chittora (the place in Bahraich where Suheldev's memorial and statue are built), half of his army had been defeated. In the decisive battle, Suheldev's 20,000-25,000 warriors eliminated around 150,000 of Masud's soldiers. Masud was captured alive. Thanking BJP workers, the CM said, 'Your enthusiasm since morning shows that the fair must celebrate Maharaja Suheldev, not invaders such as Salar Masud.' Referring to PM Modi's 'Panch Pran' (five pledges), the CM said, 'Respecting heritage means honouring Suheldev. Freedom from colonial mindset means ending events held in the name of Masud.' He declared that while history may have been unjust to Maharaja Suheldev, the double-engine BJP government will not allow that injustice to continue. 'He was a symbol of valour and bravery. Those who fought alongside him to protect India's land and faith from foreign invaders were also long deprived of recognition and benefits.' The Chief Minister also announced that a grand memorial would be built in Lucknow in honour of Maharaja Bijli Pasi, who defeated foreign invaders. He recalled that four women warriors from the 1857 revolt had dealt major blows to the British forces. The medical college and university in Jhansi have been named after Rani Laxmibai. In Budaun, a women's PAC battalion has been formed in the name of Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi, and her equestrian statue will be installed there. In Lucknow, construction is underway for a women's PAC battalion named after Veerangana Uda Devi—about 35-40% of the work has been completed, and her statue will be installed upon completion. A similar battalion is also being established in Gorakhpur in the name of Jhalkari Bai, along with a grand statue. The CM also informed that a memorial and cultural centre is under construction in Lucknow in honour of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, which will be completed by December. He added that scholarships for SC/ST students are being arranged and would be implemented from this platform. The Chief Minister proposed that from next year onwards, the event should be held over three days. 'This will ensure that no one can erase the legacy of national heroes such as Maharaja Suheldev from the pages of history,' he said.
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Stop glorification of foreign invaders, honour national heroes: Yogi
LUCKNOW Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday emphasised that glorification of foreign invaders should be stopped and national heroes be honoured while launching a scathing attack on the Congress, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and other opposition parties, saying they did not honour national icon Maharaja Suheldev when they were in power. As per historians, Maharaja Suheldev, an icon of the Rajbhar community, had defeated and killed Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masood in a battle on the banks of the Chittora Lake in Bahraich in 1033 AD. 'No memorials, universities, or medical colleges were named after the icon when opposition parties were in power. The fear of losing the Muslim vote bank prevented them from uttering a word against foreign invaders,' he said at a programme to mark the 'Vijayotsav' of Maharaja Suheldev, near Chittora block's Masihabad Gram Sabha in Bahraich. Adityanath inaugurated the 40-feet bronze equestrian statue of Maharaja Suheldev and launched 384 development projects worth ₹1,243 crore in the district. 'While the BJP commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with the Statue of Unity, SP sings praises of divisive figures like Jinnah. We have made it clear — glorifying invaders must end, and national heroes must be honoured,' he said. The CM said Maharaja Suheldev had presented a strategic and valiant response to foreign invaders a millennium ago but never received the honour he deserved in history. 'PM Modi's campaign for development and heritage inspired our double-engine government to honour him. Bahraich's medical college has been named after Maharaja Suheldev, as has the state university in Azamgarh. The hospital is named after Rishi Balark. Our main events in Bahraich will now be dedicated to Suheldev, Rishi Balark, and Maa Pateshwari — not any foreign invader,' Adityanath declared. The remarks came in the backdrop of the controversy over the Bahraich district administration denying permission for the annual 'Jeth Mela', which was traditionally held at the dargah of Salar Masood from May 15 to June 15 and drew lakhs of pilgrims. Thanking party workers, the CM said, 'Your enthusiasm since morning shows that the fair must be organized to celebrate Maharaja Suheldev, not invaders like Salar Masud.' Referring to PM Modi's 'Paanch Pran' (five pledges), Yogi added: 'Respecting heritage means honouring Suheldev. Freedom from colonial mindset means ending events held in the name of Masud. Today, your discipline and unity reflect respect for law and the Constitution.' 'History may have been unjust to Maharaja Suheldev, but the double-engine BJP government will not allow that injustice to continue. He was a symbol of valour and bravery. Those who fought alongside him to protect India's land and faith from foreign invaders were also long deprived of recognition and benefits,' he said. The CM announced that a grand memorial will be built in Lucknow in the honour of Maharaja Bijli Pasi, who defeated foreign invaders. The state government will also honour four women warriors from the 1857 revolt who had dealt major blows to the British forces. The medical college and university in Jhansi have been named after Rani Laxmibai. In Badaun, a women's PAC battalion has been formed in the name of Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi, and her equestrian statue will be installed there. In Lucknow, construction is underway for a women's PAC battalion named after Veerangana Uda Devi — about 35-40% of the work has been completed and her statue will be installed upon completion. A similar battalion is also being established in Gorakhpur in the name of Jhalkari Bai, along with a grand statue, the CM added. A memorial and cultural centre is under construction in Lucknow in the honour of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. The construction work will be completed by his death anniversary on December 6. Scholarships for SC/ST students are being arranged and will be implemented soon, he said. The CM performed 'Annaprashan' rituals for the children of Priyanka, Sumitra, Savitri, Seema, and Rajni, naming them after Maharaja Suheldev. He also distributed cheques of ₹5 lakh each to beneficiaries Kailash Kumar, Chandrashekhar, and Pramod Kumar under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan. Vijayotsav Fair The chief minister proposed that from next year onwards, the Vijayotsav event should be held over three days. He called for academic programmes, wider distribution of the Maharaja Suheldev Memorial Trust magazine, scholarships for students, and construction of a good library. 'This will ensure that no one can erase the legacy of national heroes like Maharaja Suheldev from the pages of history,' he said.
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Congress, SP stayed silent on foreign invaders due to vote bank politics: CM Yogi
Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Congress, Samajwadi Party, and other opposition parties, accusing them of ignoring national heroes and glorifying foreign invaders due to vote bank politics. Addressing a public gathering during the Vijayotsav of Maharaja Suheldev in Masihabad village of Chittaura block, CM Yogi questioned why legendary warriors like Maharaja Suheldev were ignored. 'Why didn't leaders like Maharaja Suheldev receive the respect they deserved earlier? Why weren't grand memorials, medical colleges, or universities named after such national heroes? Because Congress and SP were afraid of upsetting their Muslim vote bank. They stayed silent on foreign invaders to safeguard their appeasement policies,' CM Yogi said. The Chief Minister alleged that while the BJP celebrated national icons like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the SP was busy glorifying divisive figures. 'When we celebrated Sardar Patel's birth anniversary and PM Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity, SP leaders were praising Jinnah. When we proposed celebrating Vijayotsav in honour of Maharaja Suheldev, Congress and SP were more interested in organising symbolic ceremonies in the name of Ghazi Miyan. This mindset of glorifying foreign invaders must stop. National heroes should be honoured instead.' CM Yogi inaugurated the Maharaja Suheldev Memorial, constructed at a cost of Rs 40 crore, and unveiled a 40 ft bronze statue of the legendary king. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 384 development projects worth Rs 1,243 crore. The event also saw him plant saplings under the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign. He thanked the local administration and citizens for discontinuing events held in the name of Ghazi Miyan, calling it a step toward correcting historical wrongs. Recalling Maharaja Suheldev's legacy, CM Yogi said, 'A thousand years ago, Suheldev resisted the invasion led by Salar Masood, a general from Ghazni. While Masood advanced with a three-lakh-strong army, Suheldev created hurdles at every step from Mathura to Bahraich. By the time Masood reached here, half his army was gone. At Chittaura, Suheldev and his 20-25 thousand warriors defeated one and a half lakh invaders. Salar Masood was captured alive and punished according to the laws of the time.' Yogi further stated that the BJP's 'double engine government' had vowed to give national heroes like Suheldev the recognition they were historically denied. 'Bahraich Medical College has been named after Maharaja Suheldev, the district hospital after Balark Rishi, and the State University in Azamgarh also bears Suheldev's name. This is not politics -- it's a commitment to preserving heritage.' He linked the event to PM Modi's Panch Pran (five resolutions), stating, 'We must uphold national pride, abide by the Constitution as taught by Babasaheb Ambedkar, and strive toward a self-reliant India. That journey begins by correcting the way we remember our heroes.' CM Yogi also listed other initiatives to honour freedom fighters and warrior figures who have long been overlooked. This included a grand memorial for Maharaja Bijli Pasi, who fought foreign invaders; Jhansi's medical college and university, named after Rani Lakshmibai, and others. He congratulated the BJP and Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) workers for their enthusiastic participation and said, 'Your energy shows that it is Maharaja Suheldev's fair that should be celebrated -- not that of Salar Masood.'
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
In Bahraich, Adityanath slams 'glorification' of Salar Masood
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday opposed the glorification of Salar Masood , revered as a warrior-saint from 11th century, saying the punishment given to the "foreign invader" after being captured "guaranteed him a place in hell according to Islam". He was speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of a statue of Maharaja Suheldev and the launching of 384 development projects worth Rs 1,243 crore in Bahraich . Maharaja Suheldev, an icon of the Rajbhar community, had defeated and killed Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masood in a battle on the banks of the Chittora Lake in Bahraich in 1033 AD. "I had said on the soil of Bahraich that glorification of foreign invaders should be stopped and that the national heroes must be honoured. And 1,000 years ago, such a tale of courage and bravery was written by Maharaja Suheldev on this very soil of Bahraich," he said. Adityanath said that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's instruction that national heroes should be honoured. Live Events "History may have done injustice to him (Maharaja Suheldev), but this double-engine government will not allow it," he said. Referring to the battle in Chittora, Adityanath said, "To stop the barbaric foreign invader who moved from Ghazni along with his 3-lakh-strong army to loot India, Maharaja Suheldev led the resistance from Mathura to Bahraich... By the time the invader reached (here), half of his army had already perished." "When he (Masood) reached Chittora, Maharaja Suheldev had 20,000 to 25,000 bravehearts while there were 1.5 lakh warriors with Salar Masood. "But, these 20,000 to 25,000 bravehearts killed them ruthlessly. Evil Salar Masood was caught alive and he was given such punishment that it guaranteed him a place in hell according to Islam ('Dusht Salar Masood yehaan zindaa pakra liya gayaa, aur ussko sazaa bhi aisee hui ki jo Islam ke anusaar jahannum mein jaane kee guarantee deta hai')." The remarks come in the backdrop of the controversy over the Bahraich district administration denying permission for the annual 'Jeth Mela', which was traditionally held at the dargah of Salar Masood from May 15 to June 15 and drew lakhs of pilgrims. In an official statement, the administration on May 3 cited the prevailing atmosphere of public anger following incidents like the Pahalgam attack and Sambhal violence and concerns surrounding the amended Waqf Act as the reasons. The Allahabad High Court had on May 17 declined to grant permission for organising the annual fair at the dargah. However, in its order, the court's Lucknow bench allowed rituals and other related routine activities at the dargah. "There should be no events in the name of foreign invaders... If the main event of Bahraich is organised, it will be in the name of Maharaja Suheldev ji, it will be in the name of Balark Rishi, it will be in the name of Adishakti Maa Pateshwari Devi," Adityanath said on Tuesday. Attacking the previous governments led by the Samajwadi Party and others, the chief minister questioned why Suheldev was "not honoured" after independence. "They were afraid to anger their Muslim vote bank and were worried that their appeasement politics would fail. That is why they did not speak a word against the foreign invaders," Adityanath said. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
