On the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar. The iconic 18th-century Maratha queen known for her devotion to good governance, social welfare, and temple restoration, national and state leaders across party lines are stepping forward to commemorate her enduring legacy.
PM Modi in Bhopal: Women Empowerment & Infrastructure in Focus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bhopal today to attend the “Mahila Sashaktikaran Maha Sammelan”, a grand women’s empowerment event at Jamburi Maidan. During the event, he will:
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Unveil a postage stamp and commemorative coin in Ahilyabai Holkar’s honour.
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Present the National Devi Ahilyabai Award to a notable tribal, folk, or traditional artist.
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Visit a government exhibition celebrating women’s rights, good governance, and Ahilyabai’s contributions.
Beyond symbolism, PM Modi will also address development goals. He will virtually:
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Lay the foundation stone for several public infrastructure projects.
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Inaugurate the Super Priority Corridor of the Indore Metro.
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Open new airports in Datia and Satna.
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Conduct the bhoomi pujan for Kshipra river ghats, a part of preparations for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2028.
This event is part of a broader Madhya Pradesh government initiative, led by CM Mohan Yadav, to elevate Ahilyabai Holkar as both a cultural icon and a symbol of modern development. Over the last 8 months, her legacy has been woven into schemes, festivals, and outreach programs across the state.
“Ahilyabai’s image is being positioned as a bridge between heritage and the Hindutva narrative — giving political mileage to the ruling party while promoting the state’s development agenda,” analysts suggest.
Delhi Stage: Opposition Unites for Ahilyabai’s Legacy
Meanwhile, in Delhi, a parallel event honouring Ahilyabai will see Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and Akhilesh Yadav share the stage, an uncommon sight in today’s political climate.
The event is organised by Mahadev Jankar, former Maharashtra minister and founder of the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, who was once aligned with the BJP. Jankar belongs to the Dhangar community, believed to share roots with the Holkar dynasty. With influence in 25-30 Assembly seats in Maharashtra, the Dhangar vote could play a key role in upcoming elections, making this event politically significant for both regional and national parties.
Elsewhere in India: Judiciary Milestone in Allahabad
While politics surrounds Ahilyabai’s memory, the legal community also sees a major event today. Chief Justice of India B R Gavai will inaugurate new advocates’ chambers and a multi-level parking facility at the Allahabad High Court. The ceremony will be attended by:
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Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal
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Seven Supreme Court judges
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Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali
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UP CM Yogi Adityanath
Why It Matters
Ahilyabai Holkar’s image — once rooted in temples and textbooks — is now becoming a unifying cultural-political force. Whether it’s about women’s empowerment, historical identity, or electoral strategy, her legacy is shaping the day’s top political agendas.
