Latest news with #RajaBhabhutSingh
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Decode Politics: Why BJP government has renamed a wildlife sanctuary in MP after Raja Bhabhut Singh; who is the tribal icon?
The BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government held a special Cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi in Hoshangabad district on June 3 to honour 19th-century tribal icon Raja Bhabhut Singh, renaming the Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary after him. This is not the first time the ruling party has renamed an important landmark in the state after an Adivasi icon, with deep political calculations informing its moves. Raja Bhabhut Singh emerges from the annals of 1857 as one of the most formidable, yet underrecognised, tribal leaders of the Indian independence struggle. During the 1857 revolt, he was a formidable opponent of the British, leveraging his intimate knowledge of the Satpura forests and mountain paths to lead a series of successful guerrilla attacks. He was also a close ally of freedom fighter Tatya Tope. Raja Bhabhut Singh's guerrilla warfare tactics in the Satpura ranges demonstrated sophisticated military strategy that kept the British at bay till 1860, when they deployed the Madras Infantry specifically to capture him. The British later executed him, making him a martyr whose memory has been preserved through Korku folk traditions. The BJP's embrace of Raja Bhabhut Singh represents a sophisticated electoral strategy that addresses a demographic constituency where it has been unable to establish the hold it aspires to. The BJP confronted a significant challenge in Madhya Pradesh, grappling with almost two decades of anti-incumbency and the tribal community was its weakest link. Madhya Pradesh has 47 seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (STs) out of 230 total Assembly constituencies. The BJP's performance in these seats has been inconsistent, dropping from 31 seats in 2013 to just 16 in 2018, while the Congress surged from 15 to 30 seats. In the 2023 Assembly elections, when the BJP returned to power, it won 27 of these constituencies. By renaming the Pachmarhi Sanctuary after Raja Bhabhut Singh, the government has tried to create an emotional connection between historical resistance and modern-day governance. This also helps the ruling party bring many communities under its fold. A senior BJP member said, 'There are special cabinets which were Maheshwar to celebrate Ahilya Bai Holkar. We will also hold similar cabinets across other regions of the state as the party seeks to build a larger coalition across caste and communities.' For the BJP, the success of this strategy could create a new model of identity-based political mobilisation that transcends traditional caste and class categories. A leader from the party's ST cell said, 'If the community begins identifying with the party, then that helps us stay relevant in the long term. In the Vindhya regions, the Kol tribe now exclusively always votes for the BJP. In the Mahakaushal region, where Congress still has some sway, there is a long-term strategy to get the tribals to become our strongest backbone.' The BJP has undertaken a systematic campaign to publicly recognise historical Adivasi figures, from renaming Habibganj station after Gond Queen Rani Kamlapati to honouring Tantya Bhil, and now Raja Bhabhut Singh. On September 18, 2021, Amit Shah announced that Chhindwara University would be named after the father-son duo Shankar Shah and Raghunath Shah, the last rulers during Gond rule. Shah had also announced the construction of a museum for Rs 5 crore and the installation of a statue of the father-son duo for Rs 50 lakh. In 2021, then Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that Patalpani railway station in Indore would be renamed after Tantya Bhil, another tribal leader who took part in the 1857 war. The CM also announced the setting up of a memorial of Bhima Nayak in Barwani. Nayak headed the struggle of the Bhils against the Britishers in Khandesh from 1818 to 1850. Bhopal's Habibganj station has been renamed after Rani Kamlapati, the seventh wife of Gond ruler Nizam Shah who ruled from the Ginnor fort, which is in present-day Sehore district.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Yadav launches tourism projects, renames landmarks in Pachmarhi
Bhopal: CM Mohan Yadav has launched tourism development initiatives exceeding Rs 33 crore and declared the new names for Pachmarhi Garden and Government College, both to be known after Raja Bhabhut Singh. At the Korku community's sacred location, Yadav announced plans for establishing a tribal museum, waiting area, and tin shed. He also revealed plans for developing a logistics park in Narmadapuram. Speaking about Pachmarhi, Yadav emphasised its exceptional natural beauty and historical value. He confirmed the govt's active efforts to eliminate barriers hindering Pachmarhi's development as a prime tourist spot. During his address, the CM discussed Raja Bhabhut Singh's bravery and nationalism, explaining that holding the cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi was a tribute to him. He stressed the enduring importance of Raja Bhabhut Singh's resistance against British authority. The CM unveiled 11 Trex Cruiser vehicles for safari operations. These diesel-operated vehicles, featuring a 9+1 seating arrangement, provide more room than conventional gypsies and will enhance safari services across Tourism Corporation units. New Pink Toilet Lounges were inaugurated at Pandav Cave and Jatashankar, constructed at Rs 20 lakh each through CSR funding. Local women's self-help groups will manage these contemporary facilities. Yadav launched five Tourism Department projects worth Rs 12.49 crore and initiated six development works valued at Rs 21.39 crore, encompassing various infrastructure enhancements across Pachmarhi. The CM's programmes signify substantial changes in Pachmarhi's tourism sector. The newly named Raja Bhabhut Singh Garden and College honour the area's historical significance, demonstrating the govt's dedication to cultural preservation alongside tourism advancement. The forthcoming tribal museum will highlight indigenous traditions, particularly of the Korku community. The Narmadapuram logistics park aims to strengthen regional transport links and economic development, supporting Pachmarhi's evolution as a premier tourist destination. The total development package of over Rs 33 crore includes diverse infrastructure initiatives. The completed and upcoming projects showcase substantial investment in regional tourism development.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Tribal museum to come up in Pachmarhi
Bhopal: CM Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various tourism development projects worth over Rs 33 crore. He announced that Pachmarhi Garden will now be known as 'Raja Bhabhut Singh Udyan'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Similarly, the Government College in Pachmarhi will be renamed Raja Bhabhut Singh Government College. He also announced the establishment of a tribal museum in Pachmarhi and the construction of a waiting area and tin shed at the sacred site of the Korku community. Yadav said a logistics park would be developed in Narmadapuram, which will bring a new wave of development to the region. He further remarked that Pachmarhi was renowned across India and the world for its unparalleled natural beauty and that the region also holds great historical significance. "The govt is removing developmental hurdles to transform Pachmarhi into one of the most popular tourist destinations. The state govt has opened the doors to Pachmarhi's growth. " The chief minister said that to honour the valour and sacrifice of Raja Bhabhut Singh, a symbol of courage and patriotism, the state govt held a cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi, thereby bringing his legacy before society at large. Raja Bhabhut Singh was a towering personality who bravely fought the British with valour and set a stellar example of patriotism. He will remain immortal in the collective memory and culture of Madhya Pradesh. Yadav said that today is a moment of pride for the descendants of Raja Bhabhut Singh. Bhopal: CM Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various tourism development projects worth over Rs 33 crore. He announced that Pachmarhi Garden will now be known as 'Raja Bhabhut Singh Udyan'. Similarly, the Government College in Pachmarhi will be renamed Raja Bhabhut Singh Government College. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He also announced the establishment of a tribal museum in Pachmarhi and the construction of a waiting area and tin shed at the sacred site of the Korku community. Yadav said a logistics park would be developed in Narmadapuram, which will bring a new wave of development to the region. He further remarked that Pachmarhi was renowned across India and the world for its unparalleled natural beauty and that the region also holds great historical significance. "The govt is removing developmental hurdles to transform Pachmarhi into one of the most popular tourist destinations. The state govt has opened the doors to Pachmarhi's growth. " The chief minister said that to honour the valour and sacrifice of Raja Bhabhut Singh, a symbol of courage and patriotism, the state govt held a cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi, thereby bringing his legacy before society at large. Raja Bhabhut Singh was a towering personality who bravely fought the British with valour and set a stellar example of patriotism. He will remain immortal in the collective memory and culture of Madhya Pradesh. Yadav said that today is a moment of pride for the descendants of Raja Bhabhut Singh.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Madhya Pradesh's special Cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi tomorrow
After Jabalpur and Indore, the Madhya Pradesh government will now hold another special meeting in Pachmarhi, the only hill station in the state, on June 3. The special Cabinet meeting will be dedicated to commemorating the bravery and legacy of Raja Bhabhut Singh, celebrated as a symbol of tribal pride and valour, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Monday. In a video message, the Chief Minister said that the Cabinet meeting at the Raj Bhavan in Pachmarhi will be held in memory of Gond king Bhabhut Singh, who fought the British, as part of the BJP-led administration's efforts to honour tribal heroes. "Madhya Pradesh government is organising the Cabinet meeting out of Bhopal to honour our legendary heroes. Two weeks ago, the Cabinet meeting was held in Indore in respect of Lokmata Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, and now on Tuesday, the Cabinet meeting will be held in Pachmarhi," said the Chief Minister. He asserted that, along with economic, industrial and infrastructure growth, the state government is committed to preserving the social and cultural heritage of the state. He said that Pachmarhi is not only known for its natural beauty, but it is also deeply connected with the cultural heritage of our tribal society. "The state government is determined to highlight every glorious aspect and take care of the interests of every section of society. 'From an administrative perspective, hosting the Cabinet meeting in Pachmarhi also serves to acknowledge and celebrate the region's historical, cultural, and ecological heritage," the Chief Minister said. In his video message, the Chief Minister highlighted that Raja Bhabhut Singh played a pivotal role in uniting the tribal community to defend water, forests, land, and territory from both external invaders and British forces. He actively resisted British rule and extended support to the great freedom fighter Tatya Tope during India's struggle for independence. Responding to Tatya Tope's call, Raja Bhabhut Singh joined the freedom movement, advancing into the picturesque Satpura valleys. As the Madhya Pradesh government will hold this special meeting again, the speculation on whether Tribal Welfare Minister Vijay Shah, who skipped two Cabinet meetings, including the special one in Indore, will participate or not has also surfaced.
