Ludhiana to host 'Jashan-e-Inquilab' on Bhagat Singh's birth anniversary on Sep 28

On September 27, two prominent figures in India's freedom struggle were born: Vithalbhai Patel, the first Indian President of the Central Legislative Assembly, and Bhagat Singh. Both men grew up in different eras and had distinct perspectives on the struggle for independence. However, their paths converged on April 8, 1929, when Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw two bombs into the Central Legislative Assembly, where Vithalbhai was sitting in the Speaker's chair.

Vithalbhai Patel, the older brother of Bhagat Singh and a member of the Central Legislative Assembly, was elected as its first Indian President in 1924. This position afforded him the opportunity to implement reforms aimed at securing the legislature's safety, including the ward and watch system under the President's authority. This system remained in place until the Central Industrial Security Force took over Parliament's security in 2024, despite the British attempting to alter it following Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt's act.

Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, were angered by the lack of power Indians had despite their presence in the Assembly. On April 8, 1929, they threw bombs and pamphlets into the Legislative Assembly during the debate on the Public Safety and Trade Disputes Bills. Their actions were non-violent and intended to draw attention to the need for change.

They shouted slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad" and "Down with British Imperialism" and were promptly arrested. The pamphlet they left explained their motives, drawing inspiration from the French anarchist Auguste Vaillant's non-lethal bombings in 1893.

The aftermath of the Assembly bombing saw Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt facing a life sentence, while Bhagat Singh also faced trial for the murder of British police officer John Saunders. He was executed at the age of 23 on March 23, 1931, an event that sparked widespread mourning and anger among Indians. Vithalbhai Patel, speaking at the Karachi Congress session in April 1931, paid tribute to Bhagat Singh and his comrades, acknowledging their patriotism, bravery, and spirit of sacrifice.

His own career witnessed a standoff, as the government sought to take over the Assembly's security, which eventually fell to the President (Speaker) with the help of other officials.