Punjab : Chugh slams AAP govt over desecration of Ambedkar statue

BJP MP Tarun Chugh on Thursday lashed out at the AAP government over the alleged desecration of B R Ambedkar's statue in Ludhiana, claiming that under the Bhagwant Mann regime, "neither the Constitution is safe, nor is the dignity of its architect being protected."

Unidentified persons allegedly desecrated a statue of Ambedkar at Jalandhar Bypass Chowk on Tuesday evening, triggering anger among members of the Valmiki community.

Chugh said it was a matter of grave concern that the Punjab government was unable to ensure the “security and dignity” of Ambedkar statues.

"When the Punjab government cannot protect the dignity of the architect of the Constitution, how can it claim to protect constitutional values and the rights of ordinary citizens?" he asked.

Chugh said Punjab is not only facing a serious drug menace, but statues of Ambedkar are also being desecrated.

“This is not merely a failure of law and order, but also raises serious questions about the sensitivity and governance of the AAP government, he said in a statement here. "Before coming to power, the AAP made tall claims about the Constitution, social justice and the rights of ordinary citizens, but its real face has been exposed after assuming power,” he said.

"Punjab's Dalit community does not need speeches; it needs dignity and security. Babasaheb's statues do not need politics; they need protection. And the people of Punjab do not need fear; they need justice," he added.

Chugh demanded that those responsible for the defacement should be identified and arrested immediately.

He also demanded a security review of all major Ambedkar statues and other sensitive locations across Punjab.