Bihar's role in freedom struggle brushed aside: Nitish Kumar

Seeking acknowledgement of Bihar's contribution to the Indian freedom struggle, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said the role of Veer Kunwar Singh, who hailed from the state, in the 1857 War of Independence should be discussed at the national level.

"Like Bihar's role in the freedom struggle, role of legendary freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh is also not highlighted and discussed," Nitish Kumar said at a function held to pay tributes to Singh.

Nitish Kumar said Singh had fought against British rule in India's first freedom struggle in 1857 and provided a direction to it but it is not being discussed. He was the first leader who defeated British commanders and created a positive situation for others.

After 60 years, Mahatma Gandhi started his first 'satyagrah' in Champaran against the British rule in 1917 that gave a new direction to the freedom movement.

Both events are evidence of Bihar's great role in the country's freedom struggle.

--IANS

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