Uttar Pradesh is ready to celebrate 'Hindu Gaurav Diwas' at Aligarh on Thursday in memory of the death anniversary of the state's former Chief Minister and veteran leader Kalyan Singh, affectionately referred to as 'Babuji'.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among other senior leaders, is likely to take part in the function, which is to be attended by more than 80,000 delegates.
Supporters are also expected to turn out en masse to pay their respects to the late political giant. Officials and workers were observed working late into Wednesday evening to make sure that preparations for the programme run as smoothly as possible.
Born on 5 January 1932 in Madhauli village of Atrauli, Kalyan Singh joined the Uttar Pradesh Assembly for the first time in 1967. He then emerged as a major player in the unfolding of saffron politics in the Hindi heartland, specifically among the backward classes.
He has been Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and also served as governor of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh later in his life.
Kalyan Singh died on August 21, 2021, at Lucknow PGI after a long illness, a day before Raksha Bandhan. He was posthumously given the Padma Vibhushan in honor of his work.
On the second death anniversary, it was decided that 'Hindu Gaurav Diwas' would be held every year at Numaish Maidan in Aligarh to remember his work.
Earlier yesterday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was seen paying respects on X, where he posted, "Humble tributes to the former Governor of Rajasthan, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, staunch devotee of Lord Rama, 'Padma Vibhushan', beloved Kalyan Singh 'Babuji' on his death anniversary!"
He further said, "Beloved 'Babuji', with his remarkable personality, always stood firm in his ideals and principles. Through his administrative acumen, he provided a new direction to the state and country's politics. Tens of thousands of greetings to his holy memory!"
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh too recalled the late leader, tweeting, "On the death anniversary of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Kalyan Singh Ji, I pay my heartfelt tributes while remembering him. He was an extremely popular and exceptional leader connected with the common people."
He made unforgettable contributions to the making of Uttar Pradesh and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement. His personality and actions will continue to inspire upcoming generations," he added.
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