Buxar Royal Family Appeals to CM Nitish Kumar for Statue Unveiling
Ahead of his scheduled visit to Buxar on March 25 as part of the fifth phase of the Samriddhi Yatra, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has received a formal request to unveil the statue of the late Maharaja Kamal Singh. The former ruler of the Dumraon estate and a member of the first Lok Sabha is a revered figure in the region, and his life-size bronze statue has been awaiting official inauguration for over four years.
Statue Installation and Delay Details
The statue was installed at the Dumraon sub-divisional office in March 2022, commissioned by the state's building construction department at an estimated cost of Rs 19 lakh. Despite approval from CM Nitish Kumar, who attended the Maharaja's shradh ceremony in January 2020, the formal unveiling has not taken place. This delay has caused significant disappointment among local residents and community leaders.
Man Vijay Singh, a senior member of the Dumraon royal family, has personally appealed to the Chief Minister to perform the unveiling ceremony during his upcoming visit. He emphasized that the statue was installed with the CM's support and that the family's long-standing wish is for him to officiate the event.
Reasons Behind the Prolonged Wait
According to Dumraon SDM Rakesh Kumar, the delay occurred primarily because the royal family specifically requested that CM Nitish Kumar unveil the statue. A proposal for the ceremony was sent to the CM's office last year, but official approval is still pending, as confirmed by district officials.
The statue's unveiling has become a matter of regional pride and historical acknowledgment. Buxar BJP district president Omprakash Bhuvan described Maharaja Kamal Singh as not only Buxar's first MP but also a heritage figure in Shahabad's socio-political landscape. His contributions to education and healthcare are widely remembered, making him a towering personality in the region.
Political and Community Support
The issue has garnered attention across political lines. Dumraon JD(U) MLA Rahul Kumar Singh has raised the matter in the state assembly, highlighting its importance to the local constituency. Additionally, Pradeep Kumar Jaiswal, president of the Dumraon Sub-Divisional Chamber of Commerce and Industries, emphasized the Maharaja's pioneering role in regional development, underscoring why the statue's inauguration holds symbolic value.
Community leaders argue that timely unveiling would honor Maharaja Kamal Singh's legacy and boost local morale. The statue stands as a testament to his enduring impact, and its formal inauguration is seen as a step toward preserving historical memory and fostering regional identity.
Awaiting CM's Decision
As CM Nitish Kumar prepares for his Buxar visit, all eyes are on whether he will accede to the royal family's request. The unveiling would not only fulfill a long-pending commitment but also strengthen ties with the local community. The event is poised to be a significant moment in Buxar's cultural and political calendar, reflecting the ongoing importance of historical figures in contemporary governance.
