Historic 2002 Tribute Recalled
On the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Rajya Sabha BJP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney paid tribute to the Sikh Empire founder and recalled a rare moment of political unity in 2002. Then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Home Minister LK Advani, Congress president Sonia Gandhi, and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha Manmohan Singh came together to unveil a 32-ft-high equestrian statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh near Gate No. 9 of the Indian Parliament.
Statue Donated by Trust
Sahney, who served as general secretary of the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Trust, said the trust donated the statue in 2002. "I still carry the golden memory of that day when all leaders across parties stood in one frame to pay flowing tributes to the great founder of the Sikh empire," Sahney said. He emphasized that the occasion demonstrated bipartisan respect for the historical figure.
Tribute to Sher-e-Punjab
"On the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, we pay heartfelt tribute to the visionary founder of the Sikh Empire. A fearless warrior and an exemplary statesman, he ruled with justice, secular values and respect for all faiths. His kingdom stood as a shining example of inclusive governance, where every community lived with dignity and harmony. His legacy continues to inspire generations," Sahney said.
Political Significance
The coming together of leaders from the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Opposition Congress in 2002 was a rare display of bonhomie in politics. Sahney's remarks come as the Punjab BJP vows to usher in Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Sarkar-e-Khalsa in Punjab, highlighting the enduring political relevance of the 19th-century ruler.
