CM Yogi Pays Tribute to Kalyan Singh, Recalls His Sacrifice for Ram Temple Cause

Lucknow: Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Governor Kalyan Singh, fondly remembered as ‘Babuji’, was commemorated across Uttar Pradesh and the country on his 94th birth anniversary on Monday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tribute to the veteran leader, recalling his unwavering commitment to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and his willingness to sacrifice political power for the cause.

Kalyan Singh’s name remains closely linked with one of the most defining moments in India’s political history. Following the demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, his majority government was dismissed and President’s Rule was imposed in Uttar Pradesh. Notably, Kalyan Singh raised no objection to the decision and refused to use force to stop the ongoing kar seva in Ayodhya, choosing instead to uphold what he believed was his moral duty.

“He Chose Faith Over Power”: CM Yogi

Speaking at the tribute ceremony, CM Yogi Adityanath said that Kalyan Singh never expressed regret over losing his government.
“He openly said that if power had to be sacrificed for the work of Lord Ram, he was prepared to do so,” the Chief Minister remarked.

CM Yogi described Kalyan Singh as the first BJP Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, who took charge in 1991 at a time when the state was grappling with lawlessness, administrative chaos, and deep social unrest. He said that within months of assuming office, public confidence in governance began to strengthen, even as conspiracies were hatched to destabilize his government.

A Defining Figure in BJP’s Growth in UP

The Chief Minister emphasized that Kalyan Singh played a pivotal role in strengthening the foundations of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Uttar Pradesh. His firm stand during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement helped establish him as a towering figure among the Hindu masses and reshaped the political landscape of the state.

Recalling his legacy, CM Yogi said, “Though his government fell, Kalyan Singh took complete responsibility upon himself with unwavering resolve and devotion to Lord Ram. His contribution to good governance, development, and nationalist ideology will always be remembered.”

From Farmer’s Family to Constitutional Posts

Born on January 5, 1932, in Aligarh, Kalyan Singh hailed from a farmer’s family and was deeply influenced by the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. Over his long political career, he served as MLA, MP, Union Minister, Chief Minister, and later as Governor of Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh.

He served twice as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister—first in 1991 and again in 1997. After briefly leaving the BJP in 1999, he returned to the party in 2005 and continued to play an important role in public life.

Leaders, Family Members Attend Ceremony

Several senior BJP leaders, ministers, MPs, and party workers attended the birth anniversary Kalyan Singh’s son and former MP Rajveer Singh, his grandson and Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh, along with cabinet ministers and senior leaders, paid homage and remembered his enduring contribution to the state and the nation.