BJP organises event in memory of Ambedkar in Jalandhar

The BJP government has always been committed to respecting Dr BR Ambedkar through projects, from Panchteerath development to designating November 26 as National Constitution Day.

Tarun Chugh, national general secretary of the BJP, said this while addressing a gathering at a programme titled ''Ambedkar ko Samarpit Modi" organised by the Sampla Foundation today. Chugh said giving a befitting tribute to Ambedkar, the Modi government developed five key sites related to Baba Ambedkar. Dr Ambedkar's Janma Bhoomi in Mhow, his cremation place Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, Shiksha Bhoomi – place in London where he studied, Deeksha Bhoomi – the place in Nagpur where he embraced Buddhism and Mahaparinirvan Bhoomi – the place in Delhi where he passed away.

All five places have been developed, besides observing November 26 as National Constitution Day, by highlighting Dr Ambedkar's role in drafting the constitution. Apart from this, several other measures have also been taken to honour Dr Ambedkar who was largely remained ignored during the Congress rule spanning more than six decades in the country.

Vijay Sampla, former chairman, National Commission for Schedule Caste, and former union minister accused the former Congress government of ignoring Dr Ambekdar and his contributions. He said the Congress had never accorded due respect to the leader. The Congress betrayed Babasaheb Ambedkar right from hostility in the Lok Sabha to Dr Ambedkar resigning from the Nehru cabinet and the party's mammoth failure to accord social justice to all groups of society – especially the marginalised Dalit community.

While Tarun Chugh targeted the Congress for not according Ambedkar with Bharat Ratna, Sampla said Dr Ambedkar was given Bharat Ratna when the BJP supported the VP Singh government. He also accused the Congress of refusing to install Dr Ambedkar's portrait in Parliament.

Sarvhitkari Shisksha Samiti zonal organising secretary Desraj added the Modi government had proven over the years that it stood by the right and mighty. He added that the BJP was trying to undo the damage the Congress had inflicted on Dr Ambedkar over the past so many years.