Outrage in Amritsar: Vandalism of Dr. BR Ambedkar’s Statue Sparks Political and Public Backlash

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28^th Jan. On Republic Day, an incident of vandalism involving Dr. BR Ambedkar’s statue near the Golden Temple in Amritsar has ignited widespread condemnation. The act, captured on video, shows a man climbing the statue with a ladder and striking it with a hammer. While the motive remains unclear, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and the public, highlighting what many perceive as a failure of the AAP-led Punjab Government under CM Bhagwant Mann.

A Republic Day Disgrace

The desecration of the statue of Dr. Ambedkar, the father of the Bharatiya Constitution, occurred in broad daylight at the Town Hall on Heritage Street in Amritsar. The symbolism of the act on Republic Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the Constitution, has further amplified the outrage.

Police have arrested the accused and initiated an investigation, but the incident has raised significant questions about the law and order situation in Punjab. Adding to the concern, the location of the incident is in close proximity to a police station, raising eyebrows about the lack of preventive measures.

Political Reactions: Blame Game Intensifies

The vandalism has triggered a fierce political backlash, with parties accusing the AAP government of failing to uphold law and order and disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)

SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the incident “heinous” and emphasized the emotional pain caused to millions of Bharatiya. He called for stern action against the accused, stating, “Such vile acts aim to divide society. We must stand united to condemn and prevent them.”

BJP

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh criticized the Bhagwant Mann government for its inability to ensure security on such an important day. “The desecration of BR Ambedkar’s statue is not only a disgrace but also a reflection of Punjab’s deteriorating law and order under the AAP government,” Chugh remarked, adding that the proximity of the incident to a police station further highlighted administrative inefficiency.

Congress

Congress leaders also seized the opportunity to target the AAP government. Sandeep Dikshit, Congress candidate from New Delhi, strongly condemned the act, questioning the absence of adequate security in Punjab. He said, “This incident on Republic Day, when security is typically heightened, reveals a failure of governance. The Punjab Police is busy in Delhi for election purposes while the state is left vulnerable.”

Dikshit further accused Arvind Kejriwal of neglecting Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, alleging that Kejriwal’s focus remains solely on electoral victories. “Kejriwal’s actions show that he neither respects Babasaheb nor cares about the welfare of the people. He is entirely preoccupied with political gains,” Dikshit asserted.

Law Enforcement Response

Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Jagjit Singh Walia confirmed the arrest of the accused and stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the act. However, the incident has raised larger questions about the ability of the Punjab administration to protect key public spaces and uphold social harmony.

A Symbolic Attack on Unity

The act of vandalizing Dr. Ambedkar’s statue goes beyond a mere crime—it is an affront to the values of equality, justice, and unity enshrined in the Bharatiya Constitution. Such incidents not only hurt the sentiments of Dalits and millions who revere Babasaheb but also threaten the social fabric of the nation.

The timing of the incident, on Republic Day, adds an even more profound layer to the outrage. It underscores a failure on the part of the Punjab Government to anticipate and prevent such acts on a day when heightened security should be a priority.

Moreover, the political blame game that has ensued detracts from the need for accountability and action. Instead of pointing fingers, parties should work together to ensure that public spaces, especially those symbolizing national icons like Dr. Ambedkar, are safeguarded against such attacks.

Conclusion: A Test of Governance and Unity

The vandalism of Dr. Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar has highlighted governance lapses in Punjab and brought to light the deteriorating state of law and order. As the investigation progresses, it is imperative for the Bhagwant Mann government to take swift and decisive action to restore public confidence.

However, this incident also serves as a reminder of the need for political and social unity. As Bharat celebrates its Republic Day, acts like these must be condemned unequivocally, with all stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to the values of justice, equality, and unity that Dr. Ambedkar stood for. Anything less would be a disservice to his legacy and the Constitution he helped frame.