On January 26, 2025, the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was vandalized on Republic Day, sparking intense outrage among various political factions and communities. A video showing the vandalism went viral, igniting calls for justice and accountability from several quarters including the Republican Party of India and the Shiromani Akali Dal.
During his visit to Amritsar on January 29, Ramdas Athawale, the National President of the Republican Party and Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, held a press conference condemning the act. Athawale accused the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), of gross negligence concerning the statue's protection. He remarked, "This incident reflects the negligence of the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab," demanding immediate resignation from the Chief Minister.
The events unfolded when Akash Deep Singh, the perpetrator, reportedly climbed the statue and struck it with a hammer. Athawale pointed out the egregious error of placing construction stairs near the statue during the significant day of national celebration. He emphasized the need for severe legal action against those responsible for allowing such disrespect.
The vicious act was perceived not merely as vandalism but as indicative of larger communal tensions. The BJP, particularly its Dalit candidates, criticized AAP’s leadership for their muted response. They labeled Kejriwal and Mann's silence as emblematic of their empty promises to Dalit communities. These sentiments highlighted long-standing grievances about inadequate representation of Dalits within AAP, contrasting sharply with the BJP’s focus on fielding Dalit candidates even from general seats.
On the other hand, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) demanded judicial scrutiny following the statue's defacement. During their working committee meeting, SAD officials asserted the necessity of accountability from both the police and civil administration. Senior leader Daljit Singh Cheema maintained, "Only a judicial probe could disclose the conspirators behind the act." He expressed concern over the alleged premeditated nature of the vandalism, stating it was part of efforts aimed at disrupting peace and communal harmony.
Singh, who hails from Dharamkot, Punjab, was arrested shortly after the incident, but his actions raised alarming questions about broader conspiracies and potential outside involvement. Investigation reports indicated possible connections to individuals abroad, with the accused allegedly having plans to execute more radical acts.
Cheema urged swift action against the local authorities who failed to secure the statue, especially during heightened security alerts on Republic Day. The demand for accountability has become central to the narrative, with rising pressures on the ruling party to address systemic failures within Punjab's governance structure.
Protests erupted across various cities including Jalandhar and Ludhiana, where citizens expressed solidarity with the cause of protecting Ambedkar's legacy. Activists gathered to honor the values Ambedkar represented, emphasizing the need for vigilance against any actions threatening communal harmony.
The police investigation has revealed troubling details, leading to Akash Deep Singh's extension of police remand for thorough interrogation. Authorities are probing the circumstances surrounding his actions and have begun examining CCTV footage to trace his movements leading up to the incident.
Through these developments, the political discourse surrounding the vandalism incident is increasingly highlighting the vulnerabilities of minority communities and the societal responsibilities of political leaders. Both the AAP and SAD must now navigate rising tensions and public scrutiny, emphasizing their commitments to justice and communal harmony.
This incident not only questions the effectiveness of current political stewardship but also calls for renewed attention to the legacies of historical figures like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose contributions continue to resonate within India's social fabric.