Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora ushered in the new year of 2026 by kickstarting a slew of development initiatives worth crores in his Assembly constituency. On January 1, the minister laid the foundation stone for projects totaling Rs 54.40 crore in the Sunam Udham Singh Wala constituency of Sangrur district.
Revamping a Martyr's Legacy
The centerpiece of the development push is the comprehensive renovation of the Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Memorial. After paying floral tributes to the freedom fighter, Arora announced that the state government will undertake a complete makeover of the memorial at a cost of Rs 21.17 crore. The project aims to honour the legacy of Udham Singh, a native of Sunam, who is remembered for avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
In addition to the memorial's upgrade, the plans include the construction of two grand martyrdom gates in the area dedicated to Shaheed Udham Singh's memory. The event was attended by SDM Pramod Singla, numerous local officials, and a large gathering of residents, reflecting the project's significance for the community.
Comprehensive Constituency Development
Beyond the memorial project, the Rs 54.40 crore package encompasses vital infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving the quality of life for constituents. A key component is a scheme to connect approximately 3,500 households to modern sewerage facilities, addressing a critical civic need in the area.
The minister outlined that several other development works are also part of this substantial investment, all focused on the holistic progress of the Sunam Udham Singh Wala constituency. This multi-faceted approach underscores the government's focus on combining symbolic tributes with tangible, ground-level improvements.
Call to Bring Back a Hero's Remains
Speaking to media persons after the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Minister Arora made a significant appeal to the central government. He emphasized that the Union government should make concerted efforts to bring back Shaheed Udham Singh’s relics and remains to India from Britain.
Arora revealed that he had previously appealed to the BJP-led central government to initiate discussions with the British authorities on this sensitive matter. On this occasion, he reiterated his request, stating he would pursue the issue again to ensure the martyr's final resting place is in his homeland.
The inauguration of these projects marks a major development push for the region, blending historical preservation with contemporary urban infrastructure, all set against the backdrop of a persistent demand for national recognition of its revolutionary hero.
