Congress Holds Candlelight Marches Across Delhi to Protest Vandalism of Ambedkar Statue in Amritsar

The Congress organised candlelight marches across all 70 constituencies in Delhi on Monday. This was in response to the alleged vandalism of a statue of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar in Amritsar, Punjab. Devender Yadav, the Delhi Congress president, led a march in Jahangirpuri. He expressed concern over such incidents occurring where the BJP and AAP hold power.

Yadav criticised the treatment of Dalits and backward communities in the country, calling it condemnable. He highlighted that while the nation celebrated Republic Day on Sunday, an attempt was made to destroy Ambedkar's statue in Amritsar. Yadav blamed this act on a breakdown of law and order under the AAP government in Punjab.

Protests and Political Reactions

The Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress also protested outside AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's residence. Akshay Lakra, president of the Youth Congress, described the vandalism as extremely shameful. "It is an attack just not on a statue but also one on his ideology and the Constitution," Lakra stated. Protesters chanted slogans and burned a photo of Kejriwal during their demonstration.

Yadav further alleged that anti-social elements and criminals were taking control under the AAP's governance in Punjab. He claimed that the AAP government had failed not only in maintaining law and order but also in other governance aspects. Yadav emphasised that Congress has consistently fought for the rights of backward communities.

AAP's Response to Allegations

The AAP responded by condemning the incident as deeply unfortunate. They stated that the accused was arrested immediately. The party criticised Congress for allegedly supporting what they termed as BJP's fake agenda. "No one will be allowed to break the brotherhood of Punjab," said AAP in their statement.

The incident has sparked political tensions, with both parties exchanging accusations. The Congress blames the AAP for governance failures, while AAP accuses Congress of politicising the issue. Both parties agree that such acts deserve strong condemnation.

This series of events highlights ongoing political friction between major parties over sensitive issues like communal harmony and governance effectiveness. The situation remains tense as each side continues to defend its stance amidst public protests and political statements.