AAP protests removal of Ambedkar’s portrait, BJP faces backlash

Delhi: The Delhi Assembly witnessed intense protests on Tuesday as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators, led by former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Atishi, clashed with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the alleged removal of Dr. B R Ambedkar’s portrait from the offices of the Chief Minister and ministers. The uproar led to the expulsion of AAP MLAs from the House, prompting them to stage a dharna outside, raising slogans of “Jai Bhim” and “Babasaheb ka Apman, Nahin Sahega Hindustan.”

AAP alleges Babasaheb’s portrait replaced with Modi’s

Addressing the media, Atishi accused the BJP of replacing Ambedkar’s portrait with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s in key government offices, including the Chief Minister’s Office in the Delhi Assembly. “The place where Babasaheb’s photo used to be now has Narendra Modi’s picture. This is happening across Delhi government offices,” she claimed.

“Does BJP consider Modi greater than Babasaheb?” – Atishi

The Leader of Opposition questioned the BJP’s decision, asking whether the party considers PM Modi superior to Ambedkar. “The BJP is so arrogant that they think Modi can replace Babasaheb. When we raised slogans in Ambedkar’s name, our MLAs were expelled. But BJP MLAs were not even touched when they chanted Modi’s name,” she said.

AAP vows to continue protests until portrait is restored

Atishi vowed that AAP would not stop protesting until Ambedkar’s portrait was restored. “The people of this country will respond to BJP’s arrogance. We will continue our protests inside the Assembly and on the streets until Babasaheb’s picture is reinstated,” she affirmed.

BJP accused of undermining Ambedkar’s legacy

Calling the BJP’s move a deliberate act of disrespect, Atishi argued that a government that removes Ambedkar’s portrait at the start of its tenure reveals its true agenda. “If anyone has contributed to this country’s progress, it is Babasaheb Ambedkar. The BJP hates his picture, his name, and his ideals,” she alleged.

AAP demands immediate action

The AAP leader demanded that the BJP reinstall Ambedkar’s portrait at its original place, stating that only then would the matter be resolved. “Restore Babasaheb’s picture, and we will return to the Assembly. Until then, our protest will continue,” she declared.

The BJP has yet to respond to AAP’s allegations. The controversy has sparked a heated political debate, with opposition parties questioning the BJP’s commitment to Ambedkar’s legacy.