Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti in Delhi
Political Clash Over Dr. Ambedkar's Legacy
As Ambedkar Jayanti approaches, a heated political confrontation has emerged between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Both factions are accusing one another of neglecting the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
Following a walkathon initiated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to commemorate Ambedkar Jayanti, AAP's Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj claimed that the Delhi government has removed portraits of Ambedkar from key locations within government offices.
Bharadwaj pointed out that former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had previously mandated that all government offices, including those of ministers and the Chief Minister, prominently display a portrait of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
He stated, "This ensured that all official photographs taken in the offices of ministers, the Chief Minister, or officials like the DM or SDM, would prominently feature Babasaheb Ambedkar. However, these portraits have now been relegated to obscure corners, which is a blatant disrespect and reflects the BJP's indifference towards Babasaheb's legacy."
During the launch of the 'Dr. Ambedkar Walkathon', the Chief Minister emphasized that the event aims to disseminate Ambedkar's messages of justice, equality, and rights to all citizens.
"Dr. Ambedkar was not merely a leader for one caste or community; he is a national icon. We must not only remember him but also embody his principles through our actions. It is essential for people to transcend political divides and adopt Ambedkar's vision for a more inclusive, empowered, and progressive India," Gupta remarked.
The Chief Minister also noted that it was under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership that Dr. Ambedkar received the recognition he truly deserved.
Bharadwaj further criticized the BJP for failing to fulfill commitments made to the Dalit community, stating, "The BJP pledged scholarships for all Dalit students and monthly honorariums, yet none have been realized. The promise of a monthly honorarium remains unfulfilled."
He highlighted that the Ambedkar Stipend Scheme, intended to provide ₹1,000 monthly to SC students in ITIs and skill centers, has not been executed.
"They have also not doubled the funding for pre-matric and post-matric scholarships for SC students as promised in their manifesto. Additionally, they have failed to deliver the one-time financial grant of ₹50,000 to every SC student admitted to a top-ranked NIRF institution, despite this commitment being made in their manifesto," he added.