Will SP MP Ramji Lal Suman Lead a Nationwide Protest If Ambedkar Statue Isn't Installed?

Synopsis
Samajwadi Party MP Ramji Lal Suman is threatening a nationwide stir over the installation of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar's statue at the Gwalior High Court. His comments reveal concerns about democratic rights and Dalit representation in Madhya Pradesh. Will his call for action ignite a larger movement across the country?
Key Takeaways
- Ramji Lal Suman threatens nationwide protests.
- Calls for the installation of Ambedkar's statue at the Gwalior High Court.
- Claims of obstructed travel to raise awareness on this issue.
- Comparison made between Ambedkar and Manu Maharaj statues.
- Concerns raised about Dalit representation and social harmony.
Agra, June 9 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party Rajya Sabha MP Ramji Lal Suman on Monday issued a warning of a nationwide protest if a statue of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, is not erected at the premises of the Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
He accused the authorities of obstructing his travel to Gwalior, where he aimed to voice his concerns regarding this issue.
While addressing a press conference in Agra, Suman stated that he and his supporters were halted from proceeding to Gwalior despite their intent to remain peaceful.
"We are being barred from traveling not only to Gwalior but also to various districts in Uttar Pradesh. This constitutes a direct violation of our democratic rights," he articulated.
Suman expressed grave concerns regarding what he termed as "intentional efforts to stir conflict and division within society."
He claimed that although the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court had sanctioned the installation of the Ambedkar statue, the order was being ignored.
"This is not merely a breach of a court ruling; it is a disgrace to the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar," he asserted.
Issuing a stark warning about extensive protests, Suman declared: "If the statue of Babasaheb is not placed on the grounds of the Gwalior Bench, we will initiate a nationwide movement."
During his press conference, he made a contentious comparison, highlighting that a statue of Manu Maharaj—often regarded by many as the author of Manusmriti—stands outside the Rajasthan High Court in Jaipur, whereas Ambedkar’s statue faces opposition in Gwalior.
"Manu Maharaj opposed the dignity of women and Dalits. Yet his statue is honored while Babasaheb, who gifted us the Constitution, is being disrespected," he remarked.
This isn’t the first time Suman has sparked controversy. Previously, he faced backlash for labeling the 16th-century Rajput ruler Rana Sanga a "traitor" during a Rajya Sabha address, igniting outrage among political adversaries.
Suman indicated that these recent incidents reflect the Madhya Pradesh government’s troubling stance on Dalit representation and historical justice. "The message is clear—certain factions are uneasy with Ambedkar’s legacy," he concluded.