Chandigarh, August 16: Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij said that the story of the freedom struggle—from the spark of independence that emerged in Ambala Cantonment in 1857 to the various struggles fought across the country—will be showcased through modern technology at the Azadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak being constructed in Ambala Cantonment. He said he hoped that after the inauguration of the memorial, excellent programmes would also be organised here every year on the evenings of August 15 (Independence Day) and January 26 (Republic Day).

Sh. Vij visited and reviewed a grand Light and Sound Show at the open-air theatre of the Shaheedi Memorial in Ambala Cantonment on the eve of the 80th Independence Day.

Speaking to media persons on the occasion, he said that the 80th Independence Day was being celebrated across every part of the country. August 15 was the day India attained independence, but the First War of Independence began in Ambala Cantonment on May 10, 1857. He said that, for unknown reasons, this history was not taught adequately.
He said that during the 1857 uprising, people across India fought an armed struggle against the British. It represented the true spirit of the freedom movement and awakened among the people the desire and determination to become free.

He said the Shaheedi Memorial dedicated to the 1857 War of Independence has been constructed over an area of 22 acres in Ambala Cantonment. The history of Ambala, Meerut, Jhansi and other places across the country where struggles took place during that period will be showcased at the memorial through modern technology.

Energy Minister Anil Vij Launches Sharp Attack on Congress, Asks: “Who Is Responsible for Insulting Vande Mataram and the Partition of the Country?”

Reacting to visuals from the Congress headquarters in which Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi were seen talking while Vande Mataram was being sung, Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij said that none of those present stood to attention in the manner that should be observed while honouring Vande Mataram. He alleged that they were talking and moving around during the national song.

He further said that in his subsequent speech, Congress President Kharge spoke at length about what the Congress had given to the country, but, according to Vij, did not explain what the party had done to the country.

Energy Minister Anil Vij said that Congress was responsible for the Partition of India, which rendered crores of people homeless and resulted in the deaths of around 10 lakh people. He said that during the freedom struggle, there was never any declaration that separate Hindu and Muslim countries would be created. According to him, the struggle was fought for India as one nation.
Vij also questioned why, according to him, Congress leaders did not speak about the 1984 massacre of Sikhs, which took place during Congress rule.

Referring to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks during a protest at Jantar Mantar that if firing takes place somewhere, it happens at the direction of those at the top, Vij said that it was therefore important to ask who was giving the instructions at the top in 1984 and who was the Prime Minister at that time, under whose government so many innocent people were killed.