BJP Establishes Six-Member Committee to Investigate Ambedkar Statue Vandalism in Punjab
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Synopsis
The BJP has formed a six-member committee to investigate the desecration of a statue of B.R. Ambedkar in Amritsar, Punjab, following an incident of vandalism that sparked protests among Dalit organizations.
Key Takeaways
- BJP establishes a six-member committee.
- Investigation into Ambedkar statue desecration.
- Incident occurred on Republic Day.
- Protests erupted among Dalit organizations.
- Punjab government urged to take action.
New Delhi, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed a six-member committee to look into the vandalism of a statue of B.R. Ambedkar located in Amritsar, Punjab.
B.R. Ambedkar, recognized as the architect of the Indian Constitution and a staunch advocate for social justice, was honored posthumously with the Bharat Ratna.
BJP National President J.P. Nadda released a statement regarding the committee's formation and strongly denounced the act of desecration.
He called upon the Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), to take prompt and severe measures against those responsible.
The newly established committee to probe the incident comprises Brij Lal – Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and former Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh; Lal Singh Arya – National President, BJP Scheduled Castes Morcha; Som Prakash – Former Union Minister; Guruprakash Paswan – BJP National Spokesperson; Asim Arun – Minister, Government of Uttar Pradesh; and Banto Devi Kataria – BJP leader from Ambala.
The vandalism took place on January 26, which is also Republic Day, when an individual climbed onto the life-sized statue of Dr. Ambedkar situated at Town Hall on Heritage Street, leading to the Golden Temple. Armed with a hammer, the suspect repeatedly struck the statue, inflicting damage.
A video capturing the incident went viral on social media, depicting the accused utilizing a long steel ladder to ascend the statue before launching the attack. This footage ignited outrage among Dalit organizations and civil society.
Numerous Dalit groups, including the Bharatiya Ambedkar Mission, organized protests in response to the vandalism. Demonstrators called for immediate action against the perpetrator and preventive measures against future occurrences.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the act and promised strict action against the offender. The Amritsar Police Commissionerate promptly filed an FIR and apprehended the accused, who is a resident of Moga district, Punjab.
This incident has reignited debates regarding the safeguarding of symbols representing Dalit identity and the necessity for stronger measures against vandalism targeting icons of social justice. The BJP's investigative panel is anticipated to present its findings and recommendations shortly.
