Bhopal: On the occasion of Bhopal merger and pride day, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced June 1 as a government holiday in Bhopal from next year. As he unfurled the flag at the Bhopal Gate on the occasion of the merger (Bhopal Independence Day), he paid floral tributes to the martyrs and announced setting up a research institute to mobilize the younger generation about the history of Raja Bhoj and Rani Kamalapati.

In a series of tweets, CM Chouhan wished the people of Bhopal on Bhopal Pride Day. “Magnificient past and progressive present, an example of a golden future… Apna Bhopal Best wishes to all the people on the occasion of Bhopal Pride Day”, wrote the chief minister.

“Honored our cleaning friends who make our Bhopal beautiful, their contribution to the pride of the city is the biggest. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the residents of Bhopal on the occasion of Bhopal Pride Day. Let us take a pledge to keep our city clean and beautiful today”, he captioned pictures.

India became independent on August 15, 1947 yet the Nawab of Bhopal refused to merge the princely state of Bhopal with India. For two years after independence, the people of Bhopal agitated for the merger of Bhopal with India as they martyred in Boras. Pt. Uddhavdas Mehta, Master Lal Singh, Balkrishna Gupta, Shankardayal Sharma fought the battle of Bhopal merger. Finally on June 1, 1949 Bhopal became a part of India when Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel showed his eyes to Nawab.