BR Ambedkar statue row: Akali Dal leaders slam AAP
Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leaders Ranjit Singh Khurana, urban in-charge of Phagwara, and Rajinder Singh Chandi, rural in-charge, have strongly condemned the vandalisation of Dr BR Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar’s Town Hall area. Terming the incident as unfortunate and highly deplorable, the leaders criticised the Punjab government for its alleged failure to maintain law and order.
Speaking to the media, the leaders expressed shock at how such a disgraceful act could occur in a sensitive area on Republic Day, a day when strict security measures are expected.
They alleged that the incident underscores the inability of the Aam Aadmi Party government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, to ensure the safety of both people and symbolic statues of national importance.
Calling the incident a “planned conspiracy” aimed at disrupting peace and harmony in Punjab, the Akali leaders demanded a thorough investigation by Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP). They called for strict punishment for the arrested suspect and others involved in the conspiracy. “Dr Ambedkar holds immense respect in the hearts of every Indian. As the architect of the Indian Constitution, he ensured the protection of rights for all sections of society,” said Khurana.
The leaders reaffirmed Shiromani Akali Dal’s deep respect for Dr. Ambedkar and solidarity with his followers. They criticised the state government for failing to prevent such incidents and demanded accountability for the lapse in security measures.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leaders including Inderjit Karwal, Gurdip Saini, and Rajesh Palta have also strongly condemned the vandalisation of Dr Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar.
