Congress announces new Amar Jawan Jyoti in Chhattisgarh

Days after the Amar Jawan Jyoti was merged with the eternal flame at the National War Memorial in Delhi, the Congress government in Chhattisgarh made an announcement.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that a new Amar Jawan Jyoti would be established in the state by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. "Those who have nothing to do with sacrifice, will not understand the significance of Amar Jawan Jyoti. It was burning for 50 years after being lit by Indira Gandhi in 1972. Another Amar Jawan Jyoti will be established in Chhattisgarh for those who have been martyred for the nation. PM Modi follows Savarkar and Godse's path. It involves violence, conspiracy, and lack of respect for difference of opinion," he said.

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The Modi government's decision to merge the two flames in the national capital had invited sharp reactions from the Opposition. The government was accused of trying to erase a part of Indian history.

The Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate was lit by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after India's victory in the 1971 war with Pakistan which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. It was an homage to martyred soldiers.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi referred to the move during his first Mann Ki Baat broadcast of the new year. "Some veterans of the armed forces wrote to me that Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial is a symbol of soldiers' martyrdom," he said.