Amritsar: The desecration of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar on India’s 76th Republic Day has triggered widespread condemnation, with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar describing the act as more than just a criminal offense. Ambedkar emphasized that such acts symbolize deep-seated detestation of Dr. Ambedkar’s social reforms, political philosophy, and enduring legacy.
Terming the incident as an “exhibition of hate,” Ambedkar expressed dismay at its occurrence on the very day India celebrates the adoption of the Constitution, which was drafted under Dr. Ambedkar’s chairmanship. He highlighted the irony of this attack on the Constitution, which liberated the nation from colonial oppression and the regressive order of the Manusmriti.
The vandalisation of Babasaheb’s statues are more than a criminal act by the miscreants!
— Prakash Ambedkar (@Prksh_Ambedkar) January 27, 2025
Such vandalisms are a demonstration of the miscreants’ detestation of Babasaheb’s social reforms, political philosophy and rich legacy.
Needless to say, this exhibition of hate is… pic.twitter.com/ByGxE7iY7v
Ambedkar alleged a larger “underground” conspiracy aimed at undermining the Constitution and reintroducing the Manusmriti, pointing to the increasing incidents of vandalism targeting Ambedkar’s statues and constitutional symbols across the country.
Calling for urgent action, he demanded that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government and Punjab Police take strict legal measures against the perpetrators to deter further such acts. Ambedkar also urged authorities to investigate what he called a “conspiracy” behind the recurring attacks on Ambedkar’s legacy.
The incident has sparked outrage among Ambedkarite groups and the broader public, with protests and demands for justice reverberating across the region. This latest act of vandalism has reignited calls for the government to safeguard Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and ensure the protection of public symbols of social justice and equality.
