BJP launches 1857 commemoration from Ambala

Ambala, Aug 9 (UNI) The BJP launched its nationwide commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the first war of Independence here today with a massive torch procession.

The march started from Rukmani Devi Hall and covered a distance of 4 km through the major markets of the city to culminate at Kali Paltan Pul where 1857 martyr Mohar Singh was executed by the British rulers Addressing a gathering on the occasion, former BJP president Venkaiah Naidu accused the UPA government of not according due importance to the commemoration of 150th year of the First War of Independence and said it was indulging in promoting a ''single dynasty.'' He said the UPA had failed to chalk out a comprehensive programme on this occasion with due participation of the people and other parties.

The government was handling the occasion as a mere formality and made no real efforts to create a sense of patriotism and unity among the people, he alleged.

''They are engaged in the promotion of one family, one dynasty, instead of remembering martyrs like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sahdev,'' he quipped.

Mr Naidu regretted the fact that the government did not involve the opposition BJP in the process, making a matter of national concern a partisan issue.

He also criticised the government for allegedly neglecting the significance of Veer Savarkar's role in the freedom struggle.

Savarkar, he said, was the first one to name the 1857 struggle as the 'First War of Independence.' Keeping in view the government's approach on the issue, the BJP had decided to organise year-long commemoration of the historic event across the country, he added.

Other leaders who participated in the procession included senior BJP leader and Haryana Incharge Vijay Goel, Haryana BJP president Atam Prakash Manchanda, Ex-MP Rattan Lal Kataria, ex-MLA Veena Chhiber and former Deputy Speaker Faqir Chand Aggarwal.

UNI