PM to unveil statue of Sir Chhotu Ram in Rohtak on Oct 9: Khattar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil the statue of peasant leader late Sir Chhotu Ram in Sampla township of Rohtak district on October 9, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said Thursday.

Sir Chhotu Ram was a prominent politician in British India's Punjab province and championed the interests of oppressed peasants.

The prime minister will also lay the foundation stone of Rail Coach Factory in Barhi village of Sonipat district, Khattar said.

The state government has transferred 160 acres of land to the Railway Ministry for this purpose, he added.

On Tuesday, Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh had indicated that Modi, during his visit to Haryana, may make some major announcements. Singh is the grandson of Sir Chhotu Ram.

Khattar said the prime minister has also been invited for a programme to be organised on the completion of four years of the BJP government in Haryana on November 1.

In case he is not available, BJP National President Amit Shah would attend the function, for which he has already given his confirmation, he added.

The chief minister said he has a deep respect for 'gurughars' but he will not visit the gurudwara in Karnal as it has a picture of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, the Khalistan ideologue.

"We would never allow anyone to disturb peace in Haryana," he added.

Khattar said during his visit to 13 'tiraths' (pilgrim places) recently, he was invited to the gurudwara, but had to skip his visit after he was informed about the portrait of the Khalistan ideologue.

He said the issue would be soon sorted out after holding discussions with the representatives of the sikh community.

When asked about the government's decision to hold indirect student elections in the state, the chief minister said it should be appreciated as the students elections were being conducted in Haryana after a huge gap of 22 years.