New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday blamed Leftist historians and the previous governments for deliberately neglecting contributions of Dalit and the tribal communities as he unveiled the statue of freedom fighter Uda Devi Pasi in Lucknow. "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. Many heroes from these communities should not only have been part of history books, but they "should have been revered", the defence minister added. "However, Leftist historians, to suit their convenience, sidelined the valour and sacrifice of these leaders. Earlier governments too failed to give due respect to the heroes from the Pasi and Dalit communities," Singh said, adding, "Dalit, Adivasi [tribal] and Pasi leaders were neglected." "[Uttar Pradesh] chief minister Yogi Adityanath has given recognition and honour to such leaders of the freedom struggle," said Singh. He listed the contributions of Pasi leaders in the struggle. Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh was the focal point of the 1857 revolt against the British and that Pasi leaders, including Uda Devi, contributed a lot to it. Adityanath cited steps his government has taken to inform students about the history and contribution of the Pasi community in the freedom struggle. "A separate book has been introduced in primary schools on the leaders of the Pasi and other communities who were neglected." Adityanath said three women battalions of the Provincial Armed Constabulary have been named after Pasi leaders, including Uda Devi. He added that a monument of the 12th-century Maharaja Bijli Pasi was also coming up in Lucknow....