Bhopal: Narendra Modi will be the first Prime Minister to visit the birthplace of revolutionary leader Chandrashekhar Azad at Bhabhra in Madhya Pradesh's Alirajpur district, where he is to launch a programme to commemorate the sacrifices of freedom fighters on Tuesday.
"Since 1947, when the country got Independence, no Prime Minister has visited the birthplace of Chandrashekhar Azad and PM Modi is the first one to reach there," Indore Divisional Commissioner, Sanjay Dube said.
PM Modi will launch the campaign "70 saal Azaadi, Yaad karo Qurbani" aimed at strengthening nationalistic fervour.
After paying floral tributes at Chandrashekhar Azad's birthplace, he will address a meeting at Jothrada village, about 10 km away from Bhabhra.
The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has changed the name of Bhabhra as "Chandrashekhar Azad Nagar" in memory of the revolutionary leader. The house where he was born on July 23, 1906, was developed into a memorial and named as "Azaad Smriti Mandir."
A small museum also exists at the place that showcases his life.
Chandrashekhar Azad, who plunged into freedom struggle at a very young age by joining the non-cooperation movement, later chose the revolutionary path to fight the British rule.
"August 9 is a historic day in India's freedom struggle as it reminds us of the sacrifices made by the revolutionary leaders," BJP state general secretary Arvind Bhadoria told PTI.
"It is a matter of happiness that the Prime Minister is launching the campaign 'Azadi-70, Yaad Karo Kurbani' from the birth place of Chandrashekhar Azad, Bhabhra, in Alirajpur district on the occasion," he said.
Under the campaign from August 9 to 14, Union ministers will visit places associated with freedom struggle, especially the birth places of martyred leaders.
"Nearly two lakh people, mostly tribals are expected to take part in the meeting to be addressed by the Prime Minister," Mr Bhadoria said.
Besides, from August 16-22 various programmes in the memory of freedom struggle, like Tiranga Yatra, candle march and Rakshabandhan festival, would be organised.
Meanwhile, Congress MP from Ratlam-Jhabua Kantilal Bhuria alleged that the BJP has given a saffron colour to the programme by overlooking Congress' contribution to the freedom struggle.
