Gandhis, Step Aside: Villages In Amethi Adopted By Ex-Defence Minister Parrikar Want Statues In His Memory

The residents of Baraulia and Haripur villages in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, are planning to demand the construction of statues of former defence minister Manohar Parrikar. Both these villages - Baraulia in 2015 and Hariharpur in 2017 - were adopted by Parrikar after he became a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh, reports Hindustan Times.

According to the report, soon after their adoption by Parrikar, the villages not only got roads, schools, solar lights, skill development camps, but also saw beautification of government primary schools and ponds. Parrikar, who was defence minister then, remained in touch with the residents of both villages.

The village residents are now reportedly planning to approach Union Minister Smriti Irani and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the construction of Parrikar’s statues in both the villages.

“If the statues can come up through government help and funding, it would be nice. Else, we will collect funds,” Surendra Pratap Singh, former gram pradhan (village head) of Baraulia village, was quoted in the report as saying.

As per the report, Rama Shankar Shastri - a Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) worker and resident of Haripur - said that the village underwent a turnaround of sorts because of Parrikar’s efforts. He reportedly also wants the former defence minister’s statue in his village to cement the bond.