BJP protests against Azam's dig at Bhim Rao Ambedkar

Lucknow, Sep 7 BJP today held protest here against controversial minister Azam Khan for his "objectionable" statement against Bhim Rao Ambedkar dubbing the Constitution maker as someone who grabs land.

In his address at the inauguration of Haj House in Ghaziabad on Monday, Khan without naming Ambedkar had said, "All across Uttar Pradesh, there are statues of a person whose finger seems to say that not only does it own the plot of land on which it is standing, but also the plot towards which it is pointing its finger."

"The BJP held protests in the state capital and the similar protests were also stagged across the state," Uttar Pradesh BJP President Keshav Prasad Maurya said.

A BJP delegation led by Maurya handed over a memorandum to Governor Ram Naik at Rajbhawan demanding Khan's dismissal from the cabinet for "hurting sentiments" by making "derogatory remarks" against Ambedkar.

"We request to make such an arrangement that those making such statements against great persons should be brought to book irrespective of their stature," he said.

Maurya also attacked the Opposition parties for being silent over the remarks.

"The silence of BSP proves that it is hand-in-gloves with the ruling SP and Congress. BSP has not initiated any action against Naseemuddin Siddiqui for derogatory remarks against women and also not sent any representative for Kashmir talks. This shows the way in which the party is running," Maurya said.

Maurya alleged that BJP district president and other workers were injured in the lathicharge by police on protestors in Lucknow.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Navnirman Sena threatened to hold a 'mahapanchayat' on the issue which will be attended by people from 150 villages if Khan does not tender an apology.

UPNS chief Amit Jani said if Khan does not apologise for the remarks against Ambedkar, a mahapanchayat will be called on September 25th.

PTI