Nashik, Jan 27 (NationPress) The leader of the Congress Legislative Party, Vijay Wadettiwar, has publicly criticized Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan for neglecting to mention Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during his Republic Day address.

Wadettiwar labeled this omission as a “blot on Maharashtra's progressive identity”, asserting that ignoring the name of the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution on a day dedicated to celebrating the Republic is a “serious affront to both Dr. Ambedkar and India's democratic principles”.

He accused the BJP of possessing a “Manuvadi” and “Anti-Maharashtra” attitude, emphasizing a glaring hypocrisy within the party's stance. “The government honors those imprisoned during the Emergency, yet simultaneously disrespects the creator of the Constitution that safeguards our fundamental rights,” he stated, pointing out the irony in awarding 'Padma' honors to individuals like Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who has insulted state icons, while sidelining Dr. Ambedkar.

This statement followed a dramatic scene at the Republic Day celebrations in Nashik, where a female officer from the Maharashtra Forest Department, Madhavi Jadhav, confronted Minister Mahajan. She publicly questioned why Dr. Ambedkar's name was absent from his speech. After the flag-hoisting ceremony, Mahajan delivered his address to the audience.

As the speech wrapped up, Madhavi Jadhav stepped forward to challenge the minister, inquiring about the omission of Dr. Ambedkar's name on a day marking the Constitution's inception. The situation escalated, prompting police intervention, and Jadhav was briefly detained before being released.

Despite the police's actions, Jadhav stood resolute in her beliefs. Later, she told reporters that neglecting the individual who granted the nation its democracy and Constitution was a “grave oversight”. “I don't care if I face a transfer or suspension. I will not allow Babasaheb Ambedkar's identity and legacy to be erased,” she declared.

She insisted that her protest was rooted in constitutional pride, rather than a violation of professional conduct. This incident has ignited a political firestorm in Maharashtra, with leaders from the Congress and Shiv Sena(UBT) criticizing the BJP, claiming the omission signifies an “anti-Constitution” mentality.

Prakash Ambedkar, leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), reached out to Jadhav to offer support, demanding that a case be filed against Mahajan under the Atrocities Act. Numerous government officials and citizens have rallied behind Jadhav, commending her for “upholding constitutional values” while in uniform.

In response, Minister Mahajan labeled the omission as “completely unintentional” and an oversight, asserting that he regularly honors Dr. Ambedkar in his speeches. He extended an official apology for the oversight, aiming to cool tensions. “In my Jamner city, I initiated the installation of large statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. I participate in every procession in the city. I can't comprehend why this controversy has erupted. I've already apologized,” he explained.

However, Wadettiwar commended Jadhav's bravery, stating that her actions reflect the sentiments of every self-respecting Indian unwilling to tolerate the disrespect of national figures. He warned the state government against any retaliatory or vindictive actions against Jadhav, asserting, “If any action is taken against her, the government will face the ire of the people of Maharashtra. We will not cease until they are held accountable.”