Union Minister V. Somanna Leads Commemorative Event Honouring the Kittur Queen’s Resistance Against British Rule

Key Highlights

• The birth anniversary of Kittur Rani Chennamma and her 202nd victory celebration were observed at Prerana Sthal, Parliament premises, New Delhi.
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil attended the programme.
• Members of Parliament, former ministers, spiritual leaders and Kannadigas from Karnataka and Delhi paid floral tributes.
• The event highlighted Rani Chennamma’s courage and her legacy as a symbol of resistance against British imperial power.

Parliament Premises Hosts Commemoration of Rani Chennamma

The birth anniversary of Kittur Rani Chennamma and the 202nd Victory Celebration were commemorated at Prerana Sthal in the Parliament premises, New Delhi, on October 23, 2026. The programme was organised under the leadership of Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti and Tumakuru MP V. Somanna.

The event was attended by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, MPs P.C. Mohan and Dr. Sudhakar, former ministers Murugesh Nirani and Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, and former Special Representative of Karnataka in New Delhi Shankargouda Patil.

Several spiritual leaders, including Pujya Shri Basava Mrutyunjaya Swamiji of Kudalasangama, also participated, alongside representatives of Siddharoodha Matha and Gurudeva Ashrama. A large number of Kannadigas from different districts of Karnataka and Delhi gathered to pay floral tributes to the historic queen.

V. Somanna Highlights Rani Chennamma’s Legacy

Addressing the gathering, Minister V. Somanna extended greetings on the occasion and described Rani Chennamma as an extraordinary woman warrior whose courage and resistance continue to inspire generations.

He emphasised that the Kittur queen was not merely a ruler who fought a battle, but a figure who challenged an imperial power and became an enduring symbol of resistance. He said her commemoration at the Parliament premises was a matter of pride and an opportunity to remember her contribution to India’s history.

The Minister also called for the annual observance of the occasion to keep the memory and achievements of great historical personalities alive. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Minister C.R. Patil, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and officials of the Lok Sabha and Ministry of Railways for their support and cooperation in organising the programme.

Spiritual Leaders and Community Members Pay Tribute

Pujya Shri Basava Mrutyunjaya Swamiji expressed happiness over the initiative led by V. Somanna to organise the commemoration every year at Prerana Sthal.

The participation of community members and spiritual leaders from Karnataka and Delhi reflected the occasion’s cultural significance and its role in remembering Rani Chennamma’s contribution to the region’s history.

Significance for Heritage and Cultural Tourism

Commemorations of historical figures such as Rani Chennamma help sustain public interest in India’s regional history and cultural heritage. For the tourism and hospitality sectors, such observances can support awareness of heritage destinations associated with historic personalities.

Kittur, in Karnataka, is closely associated with Rani Chennamma’s legacy. Greater awareness of her story can encourage interest in heritage-focused travel, cultural interpretation and local tourism experiences. However, the PIB announcement does not specify any new tourism initiative or visitor infrastructure linked to the event.

The commemoration at Parliament’s Prerana Sthal served as an occasion to honour Rani Chennamma’s courage and reinforce the importance of preserving historical memory for future generations.