Dalit activists protest remarks on BR Ambedkar
The Hisar district unit of the Bhim Army staged a protest demonstration at the Mini- Secretariat here on Thursday against the alleged objectionable statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Dr BR Ambedkar. The activists termed the remark an insult to both Dr Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution.
Bhim Army leaders, including Sant Lal Ambedkar, Amit Jatav, Pradeep Yadav, and Jaibir Godara, said Dr Ambedkar was the architect of the Indian Constitution and a symbol of social justice. They stated that any derogatory comment against him had deeply hurt the sentiments of the country. The leaders demanded a public apology from Amit Shah for his remarks.
The activists gathered for a peaceful protest at Krantiman Park in the town and marched to the Mini-Secretariat.
In Bhiwani, the Dalit Adhikar Manch condemned the remarks made by the Union Home Minister on Dr Ambedkar. Convener Sukhdev Singh and co-convener Anil Kumar accused the minister of making "arrogant and anti-constitutional" statements, claiming they revealded the BJP’s alleged discomfort with Dr Ambedkar's ideas and the Indian Constitution.
The committee stated that the BJP and its ideological ally, the RSS, were opposed to the principles of equality and social justice enshrined in the Indian Constitution. They alleged that the BJP-led government was trying to dismantle constitutional rights, which had triggered widespread awareness and resistance among secular, justice-loving, and peace-loving citizens, especially among the Dalits, women, youth and minorities.
Highlighting Dr Ambedkar’s historic fight against caste discrimination and the caste-based social order, the manch reminded the public of his act of burning the Manusmriti as a symbolic rejection of oppressive traditions. They accused the RSS and BJP of trying to replace the Indian Constitution with regressive ideologies, a move they vowed to resist.
The manch reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the Constitution, especially during the ongoing celebrations of its 75th anniversary. The committee announced plans to observe Manusmriti Dahan Diwas on December 25 by organising seminars and discussions contrasting the ideals of the Constitution with those of Manusmriti.
The activists urged people to participate in their “Save Constitution -- save country” campaign to protect democracy and constitutional rights.
