Focus to be on revival of his parental house in Bateshwar

AGRA: Former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee’s paternal village, Bateshwar, will have a memorial in his name, for which chief minister Yogi Adityanath has released a fund of ₹25 crore, said Pakshalika Singh, BJP MLA from Bah assembly constituency.

The focus will be on the revival of his parental house, which is now in ruins while his statue will be installed at ‘Vajpayee Yagyashala’ in the village. She said plans are afoot to have a museum-like enclosure at this house where photos and depictions related to Atalji’s life could be preserved.

“The gallery would showcase his life and poetic contributions so that the upcoming generation could learn and admire the illustrious life of the great leader,” added Singh.

“With such plans, Bateshwar could well be on the tourist map of the nation. The ghats and temples at Bateshwar will be renovated and with Chitrakoot Bundelkhand expressway linking the village, prospects are bright for Bateshwar,” stated Singh.

“Bateshwar, located 70 km from Agra city, has a proud connection with Atalji. He resided in his ancestral village in the early years of his life. After his death, we all want that his links with Bateshwar remain alive,” she said.

Pakshalika Singh informed that a statue of Vajpayee will also be installed at ‘Vajpayee Yagyashala’, a location in Bateshwar. Besides the ‘Jangalat Kothi’ in Bateshwar will be conserved as a memorial after lying in neglect since decades. ‘Jangalat Kothi’ is a spot which was under British control during the freedom struggle and Vajpayee along with his friends had targeted it.

This made British officers angry and penalty was imposed on villages in the area, locals said.

Pakshalika Singh and district magistrate NG Ravi Kumar were in Bateshwar on Monday to assess the plans taking shape with the release of funds for reviving Vajpayee’s links with Bateshwar.