Maharaja Hari Singh’s Birth Anniversary Observed with Renewed Statehood Demand in Jammu

Jammu, Sept 23: The 130th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh, the last Dogra ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, was observed with grandeur across the Jammu region on Tuesday. The day, apart from being a tribute to his legacy and reforms, also became a rallying point for renewed demands for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.

Leaders from political parties, social organisations, and civil society groups remembered the Maharaja’s contributions, particularly his decision to sign the Instrument of Accession with India on October 26, 1947, which ensured Jammu and Kashmir’s integration with the nation.

In 2022, the administration declared his birth anniversary a public holiday after persistent agitation by the Jammu-based Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS). This year too, the Sabha organised a massive motor rally from Talab Tillo to the Tawi bridge, where Maharaja’s statue was garlanded. Participants, donning traditional attire and carrying swords, raised slogans in his honour while reiterating their demand for statehood.

Maharaja’s grandson and former minister Ajat Shatru Singh, along with leaders from various political parties, joined the celebrations. The Dharmarth Trust, founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1846, also marked the day by distributing a 130-kg laddoo.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tribute through a message on X, describing the Maharaja as “a statesman of excellence and harbinger of change” whose progressive reforms still inspire generations.

Congress working president Raman Bhalla, while paying tributes, accused the BJP government of “insulting the Maharaja” by abrogating Article 370, bifurcating the state, and removing safeguards for land and jobs. He vowed to intensify the movement for restoration of statehood. Meanwhile, J-K BJP president Sat Sharma highlighted the Maharaja’s vision and courage that ensured Jammu and Kashmir’s proud place in the Indian nation.

The birth anniversary thus reflected both celebration of Dogra pride and growing political pressure on the Centre to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.