Salient Points of the Speech of BJP National President and Union Minister Shri JP Nadda while addressing at a program of 300th birth anniversary of of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar in Jaipur
Mata Ahilyabai was not just a protector of religion, but also a guardian of culture and a pioneer of social reform. Few leaders in history have embodied all these qualities together
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In today’s world, speaking about progress may be fashionable, but to introduce a fresh vision in the eighteenth century and dedicate one’s entire life to women’s empowerment is truly inspirational
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Just as Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji transforms crises into opportunities today, Ahilyabai Holkar similarly turned the challenges of her time into stepping stones for development
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The Modi government has emphasized not just ‘women’s development’ but ‘women-led development.’ We have introduced a ‘life cycle approach’ that includes comprehensive policies to empower women from birth and education to enabling them to become self-reliant
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In the new parliamentary session of 2029, nearly 33% of the members will be women, fulfilling Ahilyabai Holkar’s dream. This achievement is the result of the dedicated efforts of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji
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Why was Ahilyabai Holkar forgotten for seventy years? Who tried to erase her from the pages of history? Those who tried to suppress her legacy have themselves been erased by history
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After the Pahalgam attack, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji had said that there would be a response, and that the time and place would be decided by them. Following this, under Operation Sindoor, nine terrorist hideouts of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed were destroyed
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The Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has stated that Operation Sindoor is still ongoing. Terrorism and those who support it will be seen with the same eye. The threats of atomic bombs and attempts to carry out terrorist acts will receive a strong response
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While Ahilyabai Holkar empowered women, today the Bharatiya Janata Party is proudly carrying forward her legacy by highlighting the strength of the people and women alike
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Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar initiated the restoration of Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples, which the Modi government has now expanded and enhanced on a grand scale
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Ahilyabai Holkar did significant work for tribal communities, and today, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has also worked to bring tribal populations into the mainstream
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Ahilyabai Holkar’s kingdom also faced external threats fueled by the malicious mindset of Pakistan. But today’s new India does not just file dossiers; it responds. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji does not complain but turns his words into action
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Bharatiya Janata Party National President and Union Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda addressed the 300th birth anniversary celebration of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar in Jaipur, on Saturday. Prior to the event, he also participated in the Tiranga Yatra organized by the state BJP in Jaipur. Praising the multifaceted leadership of Ahilyabai Holkar, Shri Nadda said she made exceptional contributions in the fields of religion, culture, and social reform. He also described Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s leadership as a modern embodiment of that legacy, stating that schemes like Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission, Jan Dhan, and Stand Up India have empowered women across the country. During the event, Rajasthan Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma, BJP State President Shri Madan Rathore, State In-Charge Shri Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, BJP National Vice President Smt Vasundhara Raje Scindia, Deputy Chief Ministers Smt Diya Kumari and Shri Premchand Bairwa, Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, BJP National Secretary Smt Alka Gurjar, MP Shri C.P. Joshi among others were present.
Shri Nadda stated that he was honored to attend the 300th birth anniversary celebration of Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar. We often celebrate centuries and remember them, but the true dignity of that remembrance lies in drawing inspiration from their deeds and lives and making an effort to incorporate that into our own lives. Merely discussing them is not enough. If we learn something from such discussions and apply it to our lives, that would be the true tribute to Mata Ahilyabai Holkar and would give real meaning to this 300th anniversary. We all know that Mata Ahilyabai was not only a protector of religion but also a guardian of culture and a social reformer. Very few leaders possess all these qualities together. Some may focus solely on religion and overlook social reform, while others may concentrate on culture and miss out on religious duties. But Mata Ahilyabai’s personality was a harmonious blend of all these—she was a protector of religion, a guardian of culture, and a reformer of society. She did not belong to the twenty-first century, but to the eighteenth century, a time when the Mughals ruled and the condition of women was extremely pitiable. The emergence of a great personality like Ahilyabai Holkar during such times and her guidance to society is truly inspirational for all of us.
BJP National President Shri Nadda remarked that while speaking of progressiveness may be a trend today, offering a new vision and dedicating one’s life to women’s empowerment in the 18th century is a truly powerful source of inspiration. Therefore, Ahilyabai’s leadership in the 18th century was not only unique but also had a profound and decisive impact. She was the embodiment of resolve, once she made a decision, fulfilling it became the mission of her life. At the same time, she was full of courage and completely committed to her ideology. Her life was dedicated to a purpose. Mata Ahilyabai had a deep understanding of all the strengths and weaknesses of politics. She was well-versed in diplomacy and was also a brave and fearless woman. That is why today, all of us need to draw inspiration from Mata Ahilyabai Holkar. Today, we talk about 'Good Governance', but imagine in the 18th century, when her husband was martyred in the battle of Kumbher, she took charge of governance and set an example of good governance. Today, when we speak of good governance, it is important to remember that at a time when resources were scarce, she set an exemplary model of administration in Ahmednagar. All of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar’s initiatives were aimed at public welfare and proved to have long-lasting impacts. She dedicated her life to the preservation of culture and religious heritage. Whether it was the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Somnath Temple, or any other ancient temple in Bihar, she contributed wholeheartedly—physically, mentally, and financially—to their reconstruction and restoration. She also ensured that dharamshalas were built alongside every temple. In this way, Ahilyabai not only safeguarded cultural heritage but also promoted religion.
Shri Nadda stated that today, when we talk about security, it is important to recall that when Mata Ahilyabai Holkar assumed power, the state was grappling with external threats, internal strife, and economic crisis. Just as Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji today transforms crises into opportunities, Mata Ahilyabai Holkar too turned the adversities of her time into pathways for development. She promoted trade as a means to ensure the prosperity of the state and emphasized that farmers should benefit from good governance and farmer-friendly regulations that do not burden them. She worked to boost agricultural productivity and, well ahead of her time, prioritized irrigation, recognizing the importance of water in agriculture. In the 18th century itself, she began efforts to conserve wells, canals, ponds, and rivers. Her contributions significantly advanced both the state and the nation. However, the question arises, why was Ahilyabai Holkar forgotten for decades? Why did it take so many years for her legacy to be acknowledged? Who held power during those years? Who buried her memory in the pages of history?
National President stated that today, through every initiative and programme, the Bharatiya Janata Party is striving to bring Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy to the forefront for the nation. Today, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji is celebrating Ahilyabai Holkar’s birth centenary in Bhopal, and Shri Nadda expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be present there. He noted that seminars, discussions, and public meetings are being held everywhere. While Ahilyabai Holkar empowered women’s strength, the Bharatiya Janata Party is highlighting this work before the public and women’s power. Those who tried to suppress her in history have themselves been suppressed by history. Today, she has become a source of inspiration for all. Therefore, workshops, seminars, public meetings, and rallies are being organized. By remembering Ahilyabai Holkar today, the party pays tribute to women’s strength and is committed to advancing women’s empowerment.
Shri Nadda stated that Ahilyabai Holkar undertook numerous initiatives with a vision for development. However, under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, a major campaign for women’s empowerment is underway. The Modi government has emphasized not just ‘women’s development’ but ‘women-led development,’ meaning holistic growth through women. The BJP has promoted campaigns like ‘Nari Tu Narayani’ and developed a ‘life cycle approach’ that encompasses policies for women’s empowerment from birth to education and achieving self-reliance. However, why did the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme have to wait until 2014 to be launched? Because previous governments were indifferent to it. Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, there has been improvement in the gender ratio through this scheme. In Rajasthan too, the BJP government has steadily improved the gender ratio. Earlier, schools lacked toilets for girls, causing many to drop out after fifth grade. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji addressed this by constructing millions of toilets, reducing dropout rates. Under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, nearly 4.1 crore accounts have been opened so far. BJP has also played a significant role in the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Abhiyan.’ By 2029, when the new parliamentary session convenes, nearly 33% of its members will be women. If women reach this 33% representation in Parliament, Ahilyabai Holkar’s dream will be fulfilled. This achievement is credited to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The Hon'ble Prime Minister has also repeatedly highlighted schemes like Matrutva Vandana Yojana and Jal Jeevan Mission. Traditionally, it has been women who carry water pots, and under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has relieved people of this burden by ensuring water reaches every household.
BJP National President Shri Nadda said that when Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji announced the launch of the cleanliness campaign from the Red Fort’s ramparts, some Congress members mocked it, calling him uninformed and ridiculing the initiative. Congress leaders took the issue lightly, saying the new Prime Minister didn’t understand that the Red Fort was not the place to talk about toilets. However, the reality was that the Congress Prime Ministers only knew cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata and had never truly understood rural India. Ram Manohar Lohia had expressed in Parliament his shame upon seeing groups of women carrying water pots along highways for their daily chores, both at dawn and dusk. Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has since empowered 125 million women and their children with the right to live with dignity by providing them “Izzat Ka Ghar.” By turning Ahilyabai Holkar’s life into a symbol of power dedicated to the people, Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has carried forward her legacy.
Shri Nadda stated that earlier, in every village, some women were seen disabled—some had broken spines from cutting wood, others had broken legs or arms. Earlier, when women used to bring firewood, it was first dried and then burned. Women at home inhaled smoke from the “phookni” (used to light the stove), which often led to tuberculosis, yet they continued cooking. Today, under the Modi government, 120 million women have received free gas cylinders through the Ujjwala scheme—true women empowerment. In the ‘Stand Up India’ scheme, 84% of benefits have gone to women. Similarly, out of 45 million accounts opened under the Jan Dhan Yojana, 30 million are in women’s names. In the Mudra scheme, 69% of beneficiaries are women, and in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 72% of houses are registered in women’s names. The Hon'ble Prime Minister has also extended parental maternity leave to 26 weeks. Earlier, pregnant women were entitled to only 12 weeks of maternity leave, whether in the private or government sector. Today, this has been extended to 26 weeks, a change that symbolizes true women’s empowerment. When we remember Ahilyabai Holkar, we should recognize that it is under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji that this vision has been brought to life. While some people tend to see society through a divisive lens, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has embraced the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas”. In a similar spirit, the Supreme Court banned triple talaq. Countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Indonesia, all Muslim-majority nations, have already done away with triple talaq. Yet, in India, some self-proclaimed secular groups lacked the courage to end this practice. It was Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji who took the bold step to abolish triple talaq, freeing Muslim women and moving the country forward.
National President Shri Nadda stated that just as Ahilyabai Holkar had rebuilt the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji has skillfully redeveloped it in its modern form. He also spearheaded the reconstruction of the Somnath Temple and played a leading role in restoring the Mahakal Temple in Ujjain. Additionally, the government has made significant progress in linking the Char Dham Yatra with India’s rich cultural heritage, advancing rapidly under the PRASAD scheme. Ahilyabai Holkar made remarkable contributions to tribal communities, and today, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji is continuing this legacy by taking strong measures to integrate these communities into the mainstream. From PM Kisan Samman Nidhi to various welfare programs for the poor, marginalized, oppressed, Dalits, and youth, the initiatives of Ahilyabai Holkar’s era are being reflected and carried forward today under the leadership Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji through the efforts of the Indian government.
BJP National President Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda stated that just as external threats were a serious concern during the time of Ahilyabai Holkar, today too, Pakistan continues to target India with malicious intentions and schemes. But this is the India of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, a changed and resolute nation. India no longer responds to terror attacks with dossiers. In incidents like 26/11, the old approach of sending documents and complaints is now a thing of the past. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji doesn’t believe in merely raising concerns, he believes in action. After the Uri attack, he assured the nation of a response, and soon after, India carried out a surgical strike across the border. Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, terror camps in Pakistan were decisively destroyed.
Shri Nadda stated that after the Pulwama attack, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji had warned that a grave mistake had been made and that a strong response would follow. Soon after, the Balakot air strike was carried out, destroying terror camps. Similarly, after the Pahalgam attack, the Hon’ble Prime Minister assured the nation that India would respond at a time and place of its choosing, and that the reply would be beyond imagination. Key terror hubs, including headquarters of groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, were destroyed. When attempts were made to target Baramulla, Srinagar, and Amritsar, more of their military posts were also demolished. Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, in his address to the nation, declared this assertive approach as the “new normal” of a “New India.” He emphasized that Operation Sindoor is ongoing, and any future acts of terrorism will be met with a powerful response. Threats of nuclear weapons will no longer intimidate India.
BJP National President Shri Nadda that both terrorists and those who shelter them will be treated alike. Under his leadership, India conducted decisive surgical strikes, and after the Pulwama attack, Pakistan was forced to back down within just four days. A secure and strong India is moving forward under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. Drawing inspiration from Ahilyabai Holkar, the nation is committed to building a safer future. Every BJP karyakarta, driven by patriotism, must contribute wholeheartedly to the nation’s strength and security.
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