Why in News?
Batukeshwar Dutt, born on November 18, 1910, is being remembered for his pivotal role in the 1929 Delhi Assembly bombing with Bhagat Singh. Despite immense sacrifice, he remained neglected post-independence, prompting renewed discussion on his legacy, erasure, and contributions to India’s freedom struggle.
Description:
- Indian revolutionary, member of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
- Born: 18 November 1910, Burdwan district, Bengal.
- Key associates of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev.
- Played major role in the revolutionary movement but remained less acknowledged.
Delhi Assembly Bombing (1929):
- On 8 April 1929, Bhagat Singh and Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly (now Parliament).
- Objective: “To Make the Deaf Hear” – symbolic protest against repressive laws.
- Slogans: Inquilab Zindabad, Down with Imperialism.
- Both got arrested intentionally.
- Convicted on 12 June 1929; sentenced to transportation for life.
Prison Life & Struggle:
- Imprisoned in Multan, Jhelum, Trichinopoly, Salem, Andamans etc.
- Undertook multiple hunger strikes (twice over a month) demanding rights for political prisoners.
- Was in Salem Jail when Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev were executed in 1931.
Post-Release & Quit India Movement:
- Released in 1938.
- Re-arrested during Quit India Movement (1942); jailed for another 4 years.
Recognition & Aftermath:
- Massive funeral attended by President, PM, Union Ministers, Lok Sabha Speaker, Punjab CM.
- Over time, the memory of Dutt faded, despite public respect at the time.
- Parliament still does not display portraits of Bhagat Singh or Dutt; issue raised by MPs (2014).
- Contrast: Portrait of V.D. Savarkar hangs prominently in Parliament.
Literature & Legacy:
- Best documented by revolutionary Chaman Lal Azad in Bhagat Singh aur Dutt ki Amar Kahani (1966).
- Contains Bhagat Singh’s letters, Gandhi’s letter to Dutt, rare photographs.
- Hindi translation stuck due to copyright hurdles.
- Later works: Justice Anil Verma’s Bhagat Singh ke Sahyogi: Batukeshwar Dutt, Bhairav Lal Das’s Viplavi Batukeshwar Dutt.
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