From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 26: In addition to erecting statues of prominent leaders in front of Vidhana Soudha and other places, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has announced that he will be issuing orders for installing the statues of Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in front of all Government Colleges in the State.

Addressing a function after garlanding the statue of Sangolli Rayanna on his 192nd death anniversary near the Devaraj Urs circle also known as the Khoday Circle, he said the statues of prominent national leaders and freedom fighters serve as inspiration for the younger generation, especially college students.

There is a demand for naming the Belagavi Airport after Sangolli Rayanna, he said, promising to consult local leaders before taking a final decision.

“As long as Samgolli Rayanna’s inspiration is there, India will be safe and secure. The country will progress and prosper if we are able to achieve at least one or two important tasks for which Sangolli Rayanna worked and fought for,” he said.

Bommai said another Sangolli Rayanna will be born in each house if one such freedom fighter is hanged. Sangolli Rayanna and Kittur Rani Chennamma were the earliest freedom fighters, he said and stressed the need for educating the younger generation of their valour and courage.

The chief minister said the Government of India had already honoured Sangolli Rayanna by naming the prominent railway station in the heart of the City. A residential school is being established at a cost of Rs 184 crore in memory of Sangolli Rayanna, he said.

Bommai said the foundation stone for erecting Kittur Rani Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna statues has already been laid in front Belagavi Suvarna Vidhana Soudha and it will be taken up expeditiously.

“Sangolli Rayanna was born on August 15 and was hanged by the British at Nandagad in Khanapur taluk on January 26, both of which important dates in the country’s history,’’ he said.