Amit Shah Inaugurates 1857 Martyrs’ Memorial, Says Freedom Struggle Began on Haryana Soil

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 1857 Shaheed Smarak in Ambala Cantonment on Thursday, describing the town as an important site in the uprising against British rule. The event also marked Haryana’s State Foundation Day, with Shah highlighting the BJP government’s development and governance record in the state.

Addressing a gathering at Gandhi Ground, Shah said the memorial would inspire young people to learn about the country’s freedom struggle and pay tribute to those who fought against British rule.

“Ambala is the very ground where the freedom struggle of 1857 began on May 10. This struggle shook the foundations of the British Empire. The revolution of 1857 was not just a rebellion, but a genuine struggle for freedom,” he said.

The claim that the uprising began in Ambala is part of a regional historical account that places the revolt there several hours before the better-known outbreak in Meerut on May 10, 1857. Historical research points to the involvement of troops stationed at Ambala Cantonment, including the 60th and 5th Native Infantry.

A series of arson attacks took place on British officers’ bungalows in Ambala between late March and May 1, 1857. British forces, reportedly alerted to the possibility of a revolt, moved quickly to suppress the uprising in the cantonment.

MEMORIAL USES IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY

Shah said the new memorial combines historical documents and Haryana’s cultural traditions with modern technology, including virtual galleries, immersive reality, holography and interactive projections.

It also features a light-and-sound show depicting events from the 1857 uprising.

Calling the memorial a source of patriotic inspiration, Shah urged young people from across the country to visit the site.

“If you want to understand who made it possible for us to be where we are today, you must visit this memorial in Ambala and pay tribute to the martyrs,” he said.

Shah also said Haryana contributes the highest number of soldiers to the Indian Armed Forces despite being a relatively small state.

SHAH HIGHLIGHTS HARYANA GOVERNMENT’S ACHIEVEMENTS

The Home Minister used the occasion to highlight infrastructure and governance initiatives undertaken during the BJP’s tenure under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and current Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

He inaugurated a National Highway project worth ₹1,260 crore, aimed at improving connectivity in the state.

Shah said Haryana was the only state procuring 24 crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). He also cited the Bhavantar Bharpai Yojana for horticultural farmers, the introduction of a hydrogen-powered train, the construction of the country’s first elevated railway track and the state’s achievement of smoke-free status through universal LPG coverage.

Among other initiatives, he referred to a 40 per cent rise in conviction rates following the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 50 per cent reservation for women in local bodies, educated panchayats and the establishment of what he described as the country’s largest Transgender Welfare Board.

He also mentioned free travel schemes covering 1,000 km and claimed that the state had brought an end to its “transfer industry”.

SHAH TAKES AIM AT RAHUL GANDHI OVER MSP

Shah also targeted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over demands for a legal guarantee for MSP, drawing a comparison between farmer protests in Punjab and Haryana’s procurement policy.

Referring to his visits to Punjab as part of the campaign for a drug-free state, Shah said farmers there were holding placards demanding an MSP guarantee.

“Rahul ji has given them a rattle. I tell everyone that holding placards will not achieve anything. Form a BJP government, form an NDA government. Our Haryana is providing MSP for 24 crops,” he said.

With inputs from ANI