128th birth anniversary of Raja Mahendra Pratap celebrated

The 128th birth anniversary of Mahendra Pratap Singh, the late ruler of Mursun estate, was celebrated today with separate programmes being organised by political parties and the All India Jat Mahasabha.
The main function was organised by the All India Jat Mahasabha at the Raja Mahendra Pratap Park here, whereas leaders of BJP, Samajwadi Party, BSP and Congress paid rich tributes in separate functions.
The BJP organised a function at the district party office to mark the occasion. Addressing BJP workers, party MP from Aligarh constituency Satish Gautam said, "Raja Mahendra Pratap does not belong only to Aligarh but is an iconic figure for the whole country. We can never forget his contribution for the cause of India's freedom."

Various political parties had put up hoardings all over the city lauding the role of Raja Pratap in the country's freedom movement. Glowing tributes were paid to the late Raja by SP, BSP and Congress leaders in separate functions.
Addressing the gathering at the Raja Mahendra Pratap Park, Jat Mahasabha state president Colonel (Retd) S S Ahlawat said, "Some political parties have tried to exploit the name of Raja Pratap for serving their narrow political interest. In the process, the late Raja's unsung contribution to the cause of country's freedom has been highlighted all over the country."
He did not name any political party in this connection but some other speakers criticised the BJP for trying to "hijack the name of our iconic leader".

Ahlawat said, "If today we had just a couple of leaders like Raja Mahendra Pratap, then the Jats of India would have been occupying a place of pride in the affairs of the country.