Launching a scathing attack on the opposition, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath questioned why those who show the copy of the Constitution remain silent about the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh. He emphasised that those who have long exploited Dalits as a vote bank are also silent on this pressing issue.

“Not a single word comes from them because they cannot accept or speak the truth. They lack the courage to address the reality of what is happening in Bangladesh,” he said.

The chief minister was addressing an event organised on the Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Babasaheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar at Ambedkar Mahasabha campus in Lucknow on Friday. During this, he further criticised the opposition for merely showcasing copies of the Constitution as a pretense, saying “they have no real connection to Dr Ambedkar’s values”.

Chief Minister Yogi stated that attempts have been made in the past to undermine Dr Ambedkar’s original Constitution. He emphasised that the Preamble is the soul of the Constitution, accusing the Congress of removing its essence. “In 1975, during the Emergency, the Congress insulted Dr Ambedkar by violating the spirit of the Constitution. Even today, they continue the same practices,” he said.

The chief minister alleged that the Congress amended the original Preamble to include words that were never part of Dr Ambedkar’s vision. “The true face of those pretending to protect the Constitution needs to be exposed to the public,” he added.

Highlighting Dr Ambedkar’s contributions, the chief minister said he always worked for the marginalised, oppressed and exploited, providing society with a new direction and envisioning a prosperous and equitable future.

Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi paid tribute to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar by offering flowers at the statue of Babasaheb in Hazratganj. He said, “Today, in Bangladesh, Hindus, Buddhists and other minority communities are being killed by extremists. They are being burned alive, their properties looted, and their women are being dishonoured. As long as Jinnah’s spirit remains there, such lawlessness will continue. The poor and marginalised are being exploited.”

He further mentioned that this sin was revealed to us during the partition of the country in 1947, and its ugly form is now visible in Bangladesh. Babasaheb had warned the people about this in 1946-47. He had said that the country should not be divided. If it happens, an all-out battle will begin, and that battle is what we are witnessing today.

The chief minister stated that some people today are deceiving society by spreading falsehoods. He pointed out that these were the same people who remained silent when Dalit villages were being burned by the Nizam of Hyderabad and his Rajakars. During that time, Dalits were being exploited and oppressed. It was Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar who wrote an open letter, advising the oppressed Dalits in the Nizam’s state to leave and head to Maharashtra, but never to change their religion or faith.

He added that despite attempts by the Nizam and Pakistan-loving Jinnah’s followers to lure Babasaheb, he stood firm in his ideals and declared that he would always remain Indian. He was born as an Indian and would depart as an Indian. Babasaheb dedicated his life to working for the Dalits and marginalised communities.

Chief Minister Yogi also pointed out that those who followed Babasaheb’s principles are today safe in India, receiving the benefits of reservation and government support. He further stated that those who were misled by the words of Yogendra Nath Mandal are now suffering in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and the atrocities they are enduring today are a reality we all witness.

The chief minister also referred to the situation in Pakistan and Bangladesh, where Hindus once comprised a large portion of the population. In 1947, a significant number of Hindus lived in both countries, and in Bangladesh, 22 per cent of the population was Hindu until 1971. However, today that number has dwindled to 6-8 per cent, he added.

The chief minister warned that if the ongoing violence and persecution continue, this population will shrink further. He emphasised that voices are now being raised to address this issue, particularly from those who are dedicated to working for the welfare of Dalits.

“Our government is continuously working to fulfill Babasaheb Ambedkar’s dream for the poor, marginalised and Dalit communities. It is providing free toilets, housing, land deeds and pension benefits. Scholarships and fee reimbursements are being given to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students. We are currently focused on achieving the goal of zero poverty,” he added.

The chief minister assured that poverty would be eradicated in the coming time, and all marginalised communities would receive benefits such as ration, Ayushman cards, pensions and access to water.

He highlighted that the government’s commitment is to bring prosperity to the lives of the poor, marginalised and Dalit communities. To ensure that Babasaheb’s thoughts and life philosophy reach every village and household, an International Centre dedicated to Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar will be established in Lucknow. This international centre is being set up in response to the call and demand of the Ambedkar Mahasabha, and it will feature a grand auditorium, a library, a hostel for female students, guest rooms, and a magnificent memorial to Babasaheb.

Chief Minister Yogi further mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Babasaheb’s Panch Teerth has been established in the country.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Minister Asim Arun, Scheduled Castes and Tribes Commission Chairman Baijnath Rawat, Legislative Council Member Dr Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLA OP Srivastava, Ramchandra Pradhan, Bharatiya Janata Party Lucknow City president Anand Dwivedi and others.