Lucknow, Nov. 17 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Sunday that "Leftist historians" and past governments "failed" to give due respect to contributions of Dalits, tribals, and backward classes "to suit their convenience". Singh was speaking in Lucknow where he unveiled the statue of 'Veerangana' Uda Devi Pasi along with Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Uda Devi Pasi is remembered for her heroics in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Singh said on her martyrdom day that India's "Independence movement was often projected as if it was led only by a few families, select leaders or certain privileged sections". "Dalits, tribals, backward classes and women warriors showed unparalleled bravery and sacrifice to add strength to the freedom struggle. They were equal participants and deserved equal recognition," Singh said. The defence minister added that heroes from thesecommunities should not only have been part of history books, but they "should have been revered"....