BJP workers on horses near Veer Kuer Singh’s statue at R-Block roundabout in Patna on Saturday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, April 23: Men on horses with swords brought back images of a soldier’s exploits as the BJP celebrated Veer Kuer Singh’s bravery during the First War of Independence in 1857.

It was a show of strength of the Rajputs for the second day at SK Memorial Hall. Yesterday, the JD (U) had celebrated the occasion.

Brandishing swords, people entered the scene, while as many as 121 horses — considered as the symbols of Rajput pride — from various parts of the state added colour and virility to the show.

In saffron headgear, the men came, holding BJP flags in one hand and swords in the other, shield on their back.

The BJP supporters tried to give the impression of Veer Kuer Singh on horseback. The passersby were left amazed as the Rajputs from different districts displayed their skills.

Rajputs from Chhapra, Buxar, Rohtas, Ara and Patna had gathered in the state capital to take part in the Vijayotsav. Asked why they came on horses, Nagendra Kumar Singh, a Rajput by caste and a BJP supporter from Chhapra, told The Telegraph: “The horse and sword along with shield symbolise Veer Kuer Singh and his image as a warrior. All of us are his followers and dream to be a braveheart like him. Horses and swords symbolise power and superiority of the Rajputs.”

The BJP surpassed JD (U) in terms of refreshments for supporters. An array of dishes were served to around 2,500 participants.

A boy picks up a chair to smash it during Veer Kuer Singh Vijayotsav organised by the BJP at SK Memorial Hall in Patna on Saturday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

The politicians did not miss the chance of taking credit for the programme. Each of the food packets bore “Bhojan mananiya mantri Janardhan Singh Sigriwal ke sojanya se (Food packets provided by honourable minister Janardhan Singh Sigriwal).

Sigriwal, the labour minister and also a Rajput, was one of the dignitaries who sat on the dais today along with chief guest former BJP national president Rajnath Singh.

Other parties, however, were not very impressed with the celebrations.

A senior RJD leader told The Telegraph: “This is a cheap publicity stunt. It was not necessary for the minister to mention his name on food packets. What kind of message does he want to convey? This shows the mentality of the BJP and also the Rajputs who came to take part in the celebrations. They, in many ways, spoilt the sacrifice of Veer Kuer Singh. This was just another game for many of them.”