Kalyan Singh Second Death Anniversary 2023: As August 21 comes, the second death anniversary of Kalyan Singh, a prominent Indian politician, is marked by both tribute and controversy. Singh, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), passed away at the age of 89 on August 21, 2021, at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) due to sepsis and multi-organ failures. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his contributions to public service and politics.
Kalyan Singh's legacy is a complex one, shaped by his leadership roles, political affiliations, and his connection to significant historical events in the country. He served twice as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the most populous state in India, and was also a Member of Parliament. However, one of the most defining moments of his political career was his tenure as the Chief Minister during the highly controversial demolition of the Babri Masjid in December 1992.
Born on January 5, 1932, in Atrauli, Uttar Pradesh, Kalyan Singh's early life was marked by humble beginnings. He joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in his youth, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization that would shape his political ideology. His association with the RSS led him to the BJP, where he became a prominent leader known for his commitment to Hindutva, an ideology that seeks to promote and protect the cultural, religious, and social interests of Hindus.
Singh's leadership roles as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, however, remain intertwined with the controversial event that shook the nation and continues to influence its social and political landscape. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992, which was followed by widespread communal violence, left a deep scar on India's secular fabric. Kalyan Singh's government was criticized for its alleged failure to prevent the destruction of the mosque and its subsequent handling of the aftermath.
Despite the controversies surrounding his leadership, Kalyan Singh's contributions to Uttar Pradesh's development cannot be entirely overlooked. His policies focused on rural development, education, and social welfare initiatives left an impact on the state's infrastructure and progress. Additionally, he enjoyed a significant political following, particularly among sections of the population that identified with his Hindu nationalist ideology.
On this second death anniversary, the BJP has chosen to honor Kalyan Singh's memory by celebrating the day as "Hindu Gaurav Divas" or "Hindu Pride Day." The party, known for its strong stance on Hindu nationalism, sees this as an opportunity to underline Singh's dedication to the Hindu cause and his contributions to the party's growth in the state. Prominent BJP leaders, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Yogi Adityanath, are expected to participate in the commemorative event.
However, this move has not been without its share of criticism. The decision to associate Kalyan Singh's anniversary with "Hindu Gaurav Divas" has drawn criticism from opposition parties and individuals who view it as an attempt to polarize politics along religious lines. The debate over whether to honor a leader known for his involvement in a deeply divisive event continues to raise questions about the balance between political legacy and national unity.
Kalyan Singh's second death anniversary is a reminder of the complex legacy he left behind. As the nation reflects on his contributions and controversies, it also grapples with the ongoing discussions about the implications of his actions on Indian society and politics. The celebration of "Hindu Gaurav Divas" offers an opportunity to examine the intersection of religion, politics, and historical memory in a diverse and multifaceted country like India.
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