Dr. Mohan Bhagwat
Jashpur. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday unveiled the statue of BJP leader and former union minister Dilip Singh Judeo at his hometown in Jashpur.
The 12-foot statue of Judeo has been made by noted sculptor Ram V Sutar, who has also designed the the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel situated in Kewadia, Gujarat. Dilip Singh Judeo, who served as minister of state in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government at the Centre, passed away on August 14, 2013.
The statue shows the Chhattisgarh leader twirling his moustache as he often did during his prime. It was commissioned by the BJP government in 2013 and was ready by 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a delay in the inauguration.
Born on March 8, 1949, Judeo was a member of the RSS and had worked for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) as well. Son of the last ruling prince of Jashpur Raja Vijay Bhushan Singh Deo, Dilip Singh Judeo was elected to the Rajya Sabha thrice. He won the Lok Sabha election from Bilaspur in 2009.
Judeo is credited for initiating the 'ghar wapsi' campaign in the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh. Judeo's campaign infact worked in setting the tone of politics in Chhattisgarh later. He also worked for the upliftment of tribals in the region.
Addressing the gathering at the Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Ambikapur, Bhagwat said, "We need not fear to anyone when we have the fearlessness of Dilip Singh Judeo and Bhagwan Birsa Munda in us. Judeo always stood for the pride of 'Janjatiya' people. I feel like home among the people here at Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram."
Judeo's affection for the nation, religion and culture is known to all and his life inspires and gives courage to fight, said Bhagwat.
Bhagwat, who arrived in Jashpur on Sunday, attended the 'Jan-Jatiya Gaurav Diwas' programme at Jashpur Nagar on Monday prior to the unveiling of the statue.
