RANCHI: Governor Droupadi Murmu, chief minister Hemant Soren and leaders from across the political spectrum paid rich tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda, also known as Dharti Aba, on his 121st martyrdom day on Wednesday.
Murmu and Soren paid floral tributes to the leader at their official residences.
Offering his respect, the CM said that Bhagwan Birsa Munda fought for the rights of the exploited and deprived sections of the society.
Soren said that Dharti Aba played an important role in achieving independence of the country from the British and people would never forget the sacrifices he made.
Soren added that his government would take inspiration from Dharti Aba to drive away the Covid-19 pandemic.
Minister Satyanand Bhokta and senior officials were also present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, Congress state president and finance minister Rameshwar Oraon also paid floral tribute to the leader at his cemetery in Kokar and said that Birsa Munda had led a revolt against exploitation, money lenders and the zamindari system in the 19th century.
Speaking at a programme organised by BJP, Union minister Arjun Munda said that Birsa Munda started an ulgulan (rebellion) against the British rule.
Munda said that the Adivasi people of the state must realise the manner in which the present state government was depriving them of their rights.
He alleged that state government was amending the rules of the Tribal Advisory Council to make it toothless.
BJP state president Deepak Prakash said that historians have not done justice to the contribution of the freedom fighters from the state.