Why Did Vijay Shah Skip His Third Cabinet Meeting?

Bhopal, June 3 (NationPress) Once again, the Tribal Affairs Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Vijay Shah, was absent from the Cabinet meeting held at Raj Bhavan in Pachmarhi on Tuesday, marking his third such absence in a row.

While in his constituency of Harsood on Monday evening, he met with the family of a gang-rape victim, the reasons for his absence remain unclear.

During the gathering, a significant decision was made to rename the Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary as Raja Bhabhut Singh Sanctuary, in tribute to the legendary warrior king of Pachmarhi.

Kailash Vijayvargiya, the Urban Development Minister, announced this decision, emphasizing the historical importance of the site where the meeting took place—land where Raja Bhabhut Singh lived and fought valiantly against the British, earning the title of the Shivaji of the Narmada region.

Vijay Shah's absence is shadowed by controversy surrounding his alleged remarks about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, which drew significant criticism after he described her as a "sister of terrorists" in relation to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the loss of 26 innocent lives.

On Tuesday afternoon, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav arrived in Pachmarhi and engaged with local mango growers before the Cabinet meeting commenced.

This meeting held historical significance, dedicated to the memory of Raja Bhabhut Singh, renowned for his guerrilla warfare tactics against British rule. He fiercely resisted the British along the Denva River near Matkuli village for an extensive period.

Key discussion points included decisions to erect a statue in honor of Bhabhut Singh and to name various institutions and parks after him.

On Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav highlighted Bhabhut Singh's pivotal role in assisting the legendary freedom fighter Tatya Tope during India's struggle for independence.

Responding to Tatya Tope's call, Bhabhut Singh inspired the fight for freedom across the Satpura valleys, successfully evading British forces and crossing the Narmada River near Sandia, a site linked to the mythological figure Rishi Shandilya, in late October 1858.

The Chief Minister remarked on how Bhabhut Singh and Tatya Tope strategized the freedom movement within Narmadachal.

In Pachmarhi, deep in the Satpura hills, Tatya Tope and his troops camped for eight days with Bhabhut Singh, formulating their next steps.

As the Jagirdar of Harrakot, Bhabhut Singh held significant influence over tribal communities, playing a crucial role in rallying them for the independence movement. His legacy of bravery and leadership endures.

Historical records affirm that Raja Bhabhut Singh was a formidable warrior who actively opposed British forces through guerrilla warfare tactics. His profound understanding of the Satpura terrain facilitated surprise attacks that often left the British bewildered and unable to counter his strategies.

His military capabilities were likened to those of Shivaji Maharaj, as he adeptly utilized the rugged landscape to his advantage. The British struggled to capture him, and he continued his resistance until 1860.

Approximately half of Mohan Yadav's Cabinet arrived in Pachmarhi the night before the meeting, including Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, Minister Govind Rajput, and several others. Some ministers joined the meeting on Tuesday morning, while Public Works Department Minister and Narmadapuram's Minister in Charge, Rakesh Singh, arrived on Monday afternoon to oversee preparations and ensure that all arrangements were in order.