Bhagat Singh’s followers flay politicians for ignoring him

Ajay Joshi

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, March 23

Undeniably, Bhagat Singh continued to remain one of national youth icons even 88 years after being hanged.

One such example was seen today at Bhagat Singh Chowk here when some local youths, who are popularly known as ‘Fan Bhagat Singh Da’ group, wore banners, criticised politics on the birth and death anniversary of the freedom fighter.

Located in the interiors of the Old Jail road, the Bhagat Singh Chowk has its own significance, not only for followers of the revolutionary leader but also for politicians.

However, upset over the politicians’ ignorance towards maintaining the chowk and implementing his principles, some of the youths of the ‘Fan Bhagat Singh Da’ group condemned local political leaders’ attitude over the issue. A few messages on their banners read: ‘Neta Ji aa gaye photo khichane ke liye’, ‘Jaldi jaldi meri photo kheench main Facebook te pani hai’, ‘Mere nal hun photo session hi karaooge ya meri soch pe bhi chaloge’ besides others.

President of the group Manish Rajput (29) said: “Every year, politicians in the district have made it a practice of rushing to the chowk during the birth and death anniversaries of the freedom fighter and doing nothing, but clicking pictures with his statue. Moreover, they have failed to recognise and propagate the values that he stood for. Bhagat Singh at the core was a humanist and a patriot, hence, people want development today instead of selfies uploaded by the politicians. The followers of the martyr wants their leaders to follow his ideology in reality.”

Manish is an ardent follower of Bhagat Singh. He said after hearing brave stories about the martyr, he instantly became his fan and wanted to be like him. At the age of 15, he formed the ‘Fan Bhagat Singh Da’ group with his friends and started spreading his principles. His group became a registered association in 2014. On March 23 and September 28 and event other days he, along with other group members visit the chowk and maintain it. A few years ago, he said the chowk had become a home for stray dogs and everyday, the statue of Bhagat Singh was found covered by filth and dirt. However, even after several requests neither any political leader nor any authorities heard their plea of fencing and strengthening it. Eventually, the group officially adopted the chowk on January 15, 2018, and rebuilt the chowk with marble stones.

Manish said, besides the basic development of the area, they want that a six-and-a-half-ft statue of Bhagat Singh should be installed at the chowk.