Mangal Pandey’s Sacrifice More Relevant Amidst Attacks on Democracy: Sanjay Kapoor

• Former Congress MLA Sanjay Kapoor stated Mangal Pandey’s sacrifice is highly relevant amid current “attacks on democratic systems.”
• The remarks were made at a birth anniversary event for Mangal Pandey in Rampur.
• Congress leaders emphasized the need to emulate Pandey’s courage in defending democracy, the Constitution, and human rights.

GG News Bureau
Rampur, 19th July: In an era marked by widespread challenges to democratic systems, the sacrifice of Mangal Pandey has become even more pertinent, said former MLA and ex-Congress National Secretary Sanjay Kapoor on July 19. He made these remarks at an event organized by the District and City Congress Committee to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mangal Pandey, the revered hero of the Indian freedom struggle and pioneer of the 1857 revolution. The tribute program was held at the Gandhi Samadhi Sthal.

Sanjay Kapoor emphasized, “When the grip of British rule tightened on the nation, Mangal Pandey raised the first revolutionary cry. Today, as efforts are being made to weaken democracy, bypass the Constitution, and incapacitate institutions, Mangal Pandey’s sacrifice teaches us that silence in the face of injustice is also a crime. If today’s youth wish to protect their rights and democratic values, they need the courage and firm resolve akin to Mangal Pandey’s.”

District President Pramil Kumar Sharma ‘Nikku Pandit’ added, “Mangal Pandey was not merely a soldier; he was the first beacon of freedom. In 1857, when he fearlessly raised his voice against oppression, he laid the foundation of India’s independence. Now, when governments, intoxicated with power, are tampering with the Constitution, the Congress party reiterates its commitment to propagate his ideals to every citizen.”

AICC member Mutiur Rahman “Babblu” highlighted, “Martyr Mangal Pandey sacrificed for the nation, rising above religion and caste. Today, it is essential that we internalize his inclusive vision that unites India. The pressure currently faced by minorities, Dalits, and the poor segments of the country must be confronted fearlessly, just as Mangal Pandey did.”

City President Baqar Ali Khan alias Haroon Khan affirmed, “True homage to martyrs is not just by remembering them, but by following their path. Mangal Pandey initiated the breaking of slavery’s chains; today, it is our collective responsibility to safeguard democracy, brotherhood, and justice. Congress workers, drawing inspiration from his sacrifice, will continue to struggle against every injustice.”

District General Secretary and Media Coordinator Umesh Dubey, who moderated the event, remarked, “The 1857 revolution is not just history for the current generation, but a consciousness. Mangal Pandey neither contested an election nor built a platform, yet his courage ignited a revolution. Today, when the voices of those speaking truth are suppressed, every young person needs to embody Mangal Pandey. The Congress party pledges to connect every one of its workers with that spirit of consciousness.”

Earlier, senior leaders and Congress members paid homage by garlanding and offering flowers to the portrait of Shaheed Mangal Pandey, and lit candles to express their gratitude. The program was attended by various youth and district-level Congress functionaries, including Youth Congress State General Secretary Arsalan Ali Khan, District Vice Presidents Satnam Singh, Sahir Raza Khan, Wasik Ali, Jamil Miyan, Mohammad Irfan Ansari, Nizam Pasha, District General Secretary/Office In-charge Shakeel Mansoori, Mohammad Rafi, Vakil Ahmed, Irfan Pasha, Saidnagar Block President Asif Khan, City Vice Presidents Noman Khan, Ashutosh Rastogi, Minority State General Secretary Aamir Qureshi, NSUI District President Kaleem Ahmed, Ayub Alvi, Faizan Alvi, and Sevadal District President Chitaranjan Prasad Srivastava.