BJP to Reveal Ambedkar Statue in Raebareli Amid Ongoing Political Tensions
Political Context
On the eve of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is set to unveil a statue of the Indian Constitution’s chief architect in Raebareli. This move comes as the BJP aims to counter the stronghold of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in his constituency. Gandhi, who is currently the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, recently criticized the BJP for undermining Ambedkar’s ideals and the Constitution.
The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for Monday in the Scheduled Caste-reserved Bachhrawan Assembly segment, part of the Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency. State BJP chief Pankaj Chaudhary will officiate the event, which is being organized by former MLA Ram Lal Akela, who joined the BJP before the 2022 Assembly elections.
Commemorative Events
Following the statue unveiling, Chaudhary will lead a symbolic lighting of 11,000 earthen lamps at the newly erected statue in Hazratganj, Lucknow, in memory of Dr. Ambedkar, a prominent figure in Indian history and a champion of Dalit rights.
Political parties from across the spectrum are planning events to celebrate Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14. The Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) are organizing tributes in various districts aimed at appealing to Dalit voters.
Rahul Gandhi’s Criticism of BJP
Earlier on the same day as the BJP’s planned activities, Rahul Gandhi launched the ‘Run for Ambedkar, Run for the Constitution’ marathon in New Delhi. In his address to participants, he emphasized that Dr. Ambedkar’s principles embody the essence of the Constitution, which he believes is essential for the existence of the nation in its current form.
Gandhi accused the BJP and its ideological backers, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of aiming to undermine the Constitution and the values Ambedkar stood for. He stated, “Whatever they say or do, their ultimate aim is to finish off the Constitution,” affirming his commitment to safeguarding constitutional ideals.
During the marathon, organized by the Scheduled Caste department of Congress, Gandhi sported a blue T-shirt and scarf emblazoned with the slogans “Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat,” further highlighting the party’s connection to Ambedkar’s legacy.
Electoral History in Bachhrawan
In recent electoral history, the Bachhrawan seat has seen a competitive political landscape. Over the past five Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, both the BJP and Congress have each claimed victory once, while the Samajwadi Party has emerged as the winner three times—in 2002, 2012, and 2022. In contrast, the BJP won this seat in the 2017 elections, and Congress was successful in 2007, indicating a fluctuating political allegiance among voters in this constituency.
