Partition Horrors of 14 August 1947: BJP Chandigarh Remembers the Victims, Questions the Congress Leadership’s Role in the Tragedy

Chandigarh, August 14, 2026: A solemn programme was organised today at the Bharatiya Janata Party Chandigarh Pradesh office ‘Kamalum’, Sector 33, on the occasion of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. BJP National Vice President Saudan Singh was specially present at the programme, lending special significance and dignity to the occasion. The programme remembered the millions of innocent people who lost their lives during the Partition of India on 14 August 1947, and paid tribute to the suffering, struggle and displacement endured by countless families.
The programme was addressed by BJP Chandigarh Pradesh President Jatinder Pal Malhotra, former BJP Chandigarh Pradesh President and present Himachal Pradesh Co-Incharge Sanjay Tandon, Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, and Pradesh General Secretary Ramveer Bhatti.
During the programme, artists presented a powerful street play (Nukkad Natak) depicting the horrifying, tragic and painful circumstances prevailing during the Partition of 1947. Through the performance, the agony of displacement, separation from loved ones, destruction of homes and the violence suffered by innocent people was brought alive. The presentation moved the audience emotionally and brought back the painful memories of the Partition tragedy.
Jatinder Pal Malhotra said:
14 August 1947 remains one of the darkest chapters in the history of India. With Partition, the country witnessed a devastating human tragedy whose pain continues to live in the memories of millions of families. The political ambitions of the then Congress leadership, particularly Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s desire for power and the Prime Minister’s position, coupled with the haste surrounding the transfer of power, created circumstances that ultimately culminated in the horrific tragedy of Partition.
He said that in the rush to assume power, adequate importance was not given to the national interest and the grave social consequences of Partition. As a result, millions of innocent people lost their lives while crores were forced to leave their homes, property and homeland.
Different historical estimates exist regarding the number of people killed in the violence during Partition, with estimates ranging from around 10 to 15 lakh deaths. The scale itself reflects the magnitude of the human tragedy.
He said Partition Horrors Remembrance Day is not about forgetting history for political convenience, but about learning from it and strengthening India’s unity, integrity and social harmony.
Sanjay Tandon said:
Partition was not merely a division of geographical boundaries; it was a tragedy that shattered the lives, families and emotions of millions of people. The price of the power-centric approach and hurried political decisions of the leadership of that time was paid by ordinary citizens with their blood and tears.
He said millions of families were forced to leave their homes, property and loved ones and become refugees. Despite this immense suffering, displaced families displayed extraordinary courage, hard work and patriotism, rebuilding their lives and making a significant contribution to the reconstruction of India.
He said Partition Horrors Remembrance Day reminds us that national interest must always remain above political ambition, and that India’s unity and integrity can never be compromised under any circumstances.
Satnam Singh Sandhu said:
Remembering the horrors of Partition is not about creating hostility towards any community; it is about acknowledging a painful historical truth and ensuring that its lessons reach future generations.
He said the political decisions of the then Congress leadership, in which Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru played an important role, and the haste surrounding the transfer of power resulted in an immense human cost. Millions lost their lives and crores were forced to endure the pain of displacement.
He said the purpose of remembering history is not to create hatred, but to learn from history and secure the future. It is essential that the younger generation understands the suffering caused by Partition and the struggles of displaced families so that national unity, integrity and social harmony always remain paramount.
Ramveer Bhatti said:
Partition Horrors Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to remember the sacrifice, suffering and struggle of countless families who faced some of the most difficult circumstances in history. He said the power politics of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and the then Congress leadership, along with the haste surrounding the pursuit of the Prime Minister’s position, ultimately left ordinary Indians to bear the consequences.
He said displaced families started their lives from scratch after Partition and, through their hard work, made a significant contribution to India’s social and economic development. Their struggle remains an inspiration for generations to come.
He said remembering history is not about creating hatred against anyone, but ensuring that political interests never become greater than national interest in the future. Strengthening India’s unity, integrity and social harmony is the true tribute to the victims of Partition.
During the programme, tribute was paid to those who lost their lives in the Partition tragedy of 14 August 1947, and the struggle, sacrifice and contribution of displaced families were remembered with respect.
Former Pradesh President Arun Sood, Pradesh Vice Presidents Davinder Singh Babla, Bharat Kumar and Indira Singh, along with other Pradesh office-bearers and office-bearers of various Morchas and cells, and party workers, were also present at the programme.
BJP Chandigarh Pradesh reiterated its resolve to strengthen the unity, integrity, social harmony and brotherhood of the country and to always keep national interest above all else.