Chittu Pandey

Chittu Pandey: The Uttar Pradesh government announced plans to build a memorial in honour of Chittu Pandey in Ballia district.

• About Chittu Pandey: He was a freedom fighter & revolutionary, played a key role in the Quit India Movement of 1942.

o Title: Known as the “Lion of Ballia” for his bravery and leadership.

o Birth: Born on 10 May 1895 in Rattuchak village, Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh.

o Establishment of Independent Government: On August 19, 1942, under his leadership, Ballia's revolutionaries:

o Ousted British officials and proclaimed Ballia's independence and established a temporary national government.

o Chittu Pandey assumed charge as the interim administrator (chief). This government succeeded in: Handing over power to the Collector and releasing arrested Congress leaders.

o Later, British army recaptured Ballia and arrested Chittu Pandey and other revolutionaries.

• About Quit India Movement: Started on 8 August 1942 when Mahatma Gandhi called for an end to British rule at the All-India Congress Committee session in Mumbai.
• Slogan: Gandhi's call: “Do or Die” during his speech at Gwalia Tank Maidan (now August Kranti Maidan).
• Key Personalities:

o Aruna Asaf Ali: Known as the “Grand Old Lady” of the freedom movement; hoisted the Indian flag at Gowalia Tank grounds.

o Yusuf Meherli: Coined the slogan “Quit India”; was a socialist, trade unionist, and mayor of Mumbai.