CM Yogi Adityanath Unveils Maharaja Suheldev Memorial, Slams Opposition for Ignoring National Heroes

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing a large gathering at the ‘Vijayotsav of Maharaja Suheldev’ event in Bahraich on Tuesday, launched a strong political offensive against the Opposition.

Aiming particularly at the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP), he accused them of remaining silent on foreign invaders due to their fear of losing the minority vote bank, while neglecting India’s unsung heroes.

During the ceremony, Adityanath unveiled a grand equestrian statue of Maharaja Suheldev, a legendary 11th-century warrior known for resisting foreign aggression, and inaugurated a memorial built in his honour at a cost of ₹40 crore. He questioned why iconic figures like Suheldev were historically sidelined and denied due recognition by past governments.

“While the BJP remembers national leaders like Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with the Statue of Unity, SP leaders hail divisive personalities like Jinnah. We have chosen to honour warriors who fought for our country’s identity,” the CM said.

Adityanath alleged that when the state government proposed celebrating Suheldev’s valor, the Congress and SP responded by defending ceremonial events held in honour of Ghazi Miyan, a figure many believe to be a foreign invader.

“It’s time to stop glorifying invaders and start remembering our true heroes,” he said, adding that the current government has made its priorities clear — national icons must be commemorated, not those who waged war against the land.

Development Alongside Cultural Revival

In addition to inaugurating the memorial and 40-foot bronze statue, CM Yogi also laid the foundation stones and inaugurated 384 development projects worth over ₹1,243 crore in the region. As part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ environmental campaign, he also planted a sapling.

He expressed gratitude to those who had voluntarily discontinued events commemorating Ghazi Miyan and emphasized the symbolic shift in Bahraich’s cultural landscape. “From now on, our key festivals and events in Bahraich will revolve around Suheldev, Rishi Balark, and Maa Pateshwari—not around those who invaded our land,” he declared.

Rewriting Historical Narratives

The Chief Minister highlighted Maharaja Suheldev’s legendary battle against Salar Masud, a foreign invader who reportedly advanced toward India with a massive army of over 300,000 soldiers.

According to Adityanath, Suheldev’s strategy led to the elimination of nearly 150,000 of Masud’s forces before capturing the invader himself during the decisive battle in Chittora, now the site of the new memorial.

Despite such incredible feats of bravery, Suheldev never received his rightful place in Indian history. That injustice ends now,” the CM asserted. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inspiring state-level efforts to preserve and honour India’s cultural and historical heritage.

Honouring Forgotten Heroes Across UP

Adityanath also announced a host of future projects aimed at acknowledging other lesser-known freedom fighters and defenders of India’s sovereignty:

• A grand memorial will be constructed in Lucknow for Maharaja Bijli Pasi, who fought foreign invaders.
• A medical college and university in Jhansi have already been named after Rani Lakshmibai.
• A new women’s PAC battalion in Budaun has been named after Veerangana Avantibai Lodhi, with an equestrian statue soon to be installed.
• In Gorakhpur, another battalion and statue will honour Jhalkari Bai, while Uda Devi is being memorialized through a battalion under construction in Lucknow, now nearing 40% completion.

Focus on Social Justice

Reiterating his government’s commitment to inclusive development, Adityanath said a cultural centre and memorial for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is under construction in Lucknow and is expected to be completed by December. He also announced that scholarship programs for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students would soon be rolled out from the same platform.

Legacy and Vision

Closing his address, the CM proposed that the Maharaja Suheldev celebration be extended to a three-day annual event starting next year. “This way, we can ensure that no one erases the legacy of our great national heroes from our collective memory,” he said.

The event was not just a tribute to a warrior king but a broader political and cultural assertion — a message that the current government intends to continue reshaping the historical and cultural discourse to celebrate homegrown heroes who safeguarded India’s identity through the ages.