Sitaram Yechury condemns demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan in Dadar

Mumbai, July 16: Condemning the demolition of Ambedkar Bhavan at Dadar in Central Mumbai, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Saturday said the issue would be brought up in the Monsoon Session of Rajya Sabha.

"Its highly regrettable that the Ambedkar Bhavan has been brought down. It was not just a historical structure, but also a heritage building," he said. The senior leader, who visited the razed site on Saturday morning, said they will raise the issue in Rajya Sabha.

"This issue will definitely come up in Rajya Sabha. Not just us many people will raise it," he said.

Responding to the rationale that the Bhavan was demolished for redevelopment, Yechury said, "No matter what they say, but the way it happened is highly condemnable." "It's centre of a movement. They should have developed a consensus, talked to all people and considered all aspects before taking a decision," he added.

On whether he will join the protest rally of former MP Prakash Ambedkar on July 19, Yechury said, "He has invited me to be part of the protest rally. Let see what happens in Delhi...if I get an opportunity, I will definitely come."

The Ambedkar Bhavan and the Buddha Bhushan printing press started by Babasaheb Ambedkar were demolished by People's Improvement Trust in June, claiming that it was dilapidated and a grand 'Ambedkar Bhavan' would come up in its place.

PTI