Vidhan Sabha witnesses heated debate over Martyrs’ Memorial

A heated debate unfolded in the Haryana Vidhan Sabha after BJP MLA OP Yadav expressed disappointment over the government’s decision to drop the proposal for a Martyrs’ Memorial in Nasibpur, Narnaul. Yadav termed it an “insult” to the memory of those who laid down their lives in the 1857 revolution.

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During the question hour, Yadav reminded Sainik and Ardh Sainik Welfare Minister Rao Narbir Singh that the then Chief Minister had announced the construction of two memorials — one in Ambala and another in Nasibpur — in 2016. While the Ambala memorial is complete, there has been no progress in Nasibpur, where 5,000 people sacrificed their lives.

“The project has been shuffled between multiple departments since its announcement. Now, it is disheartening to learn that the government is no longer considering it. This is an insult to our martyrs,” said Yadav, a close associate of Union Minister Rao Indrajit Singh.

In response, Minister Rao Narbir clarified that a memorial was built in 1989 and its maintenance falls under the local panchayat’s jurisdiction. However, since it now lies within municipal limits, Yadav could request the civic body to undertake beautification.

“The government respects our martyrs. However, it has decided to maintain memorials only at district headquarters. Since this one is not at a district headquarters, it does not fall under our current plan. That said, if there was an announcement, we will verify and try to work something out,” he assured.

Health Minister Arti Singh Rao supported Yadav’s demand, but Speaker Harvinder Kalyan disallowed further discussion. Taking the opportunity, Transport Minister Anil Vij invited members to visit the Ambala memorial and detailed efforts to identify the names of martyrs.

In response to a question by Congress MLA Shishpal Keharwala, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini clarified that Haryana Government employees can create content on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, provided it is of a “purely literary, artistic or scientific character.”

However, employees can retain only up to Rs 8,000 annually, with one-third of any additional income to be deposited in the state exchequer.

Nuh MLA Aftab Ahmed demanded sector development in Nuh and Tawadu, citing a 2009 land acquisition cancelled in 2017 but restored by a 2024 high court ruling. Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda assured a “favourable consideration” of the matter.

Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal raised concerns over the poor condition of Jhajjar’s Swami Dayanand Saraswati Sports Stadium. Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam responded that a Rs 61.83 lakh estimate for its maintenance and soil filling is under review and work will commence upon approval.