DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab, in a press conference held in Jalandhar, slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his objectionable remarks about Dr. BR Ambedkar. Terming the remarks as an insult to the architect of the Indian Constitution, AAP leaders accused the BJP and RSS of pursuing an anti-Dalit and anti-Constitution agenda.

Addressing the media, AAP leader Pawan Kumar Tinu criticized the BJP and RSS, highlighting their consistent attempts to undermine the secular and inclusive values of the Constitution. He said, "Dr. BR Ambedkar spent his entire life building the Constitution, uniting a diverse nation, and ensuring equal rights for all. The BJP and RSS have repeatedly tried to demean his legacy and create apprehensions about changing the Constitution. Amit Shah's remarks reflect their anti-Dalit and anti-reservation mindset."

Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO also condemned the remarks, stating, "Amit Shah's statements in Parliament were cruel and deeply hurtful to millions of Indians who revere Dr. Ambedkar as a guiding light. Baba Sahib crafted a Constitution that unified a fragmented nation and protected the rights of the downtrodden.

He said that the BJP's hidden agenda of weakening the Constitution and its values stands exposed once again. AAP will not allow such attempts to succeed." He demanded an immediate and unconditional apology from both Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi for the hurt caused to followers of Dr. Ambedkar.

Prominent AAP leaders, including MLA Balkar Singh, Senior leaders Deepak Bali, Amritpal Singh, Gurinder Singh Shergill, HS Sandhu, Mangal Singh Basi, and Gurcharan Singh Channi, were also present at the press conference.

ETO stated that only the Aam Aadmi Party gives due respect to our freedom fighters and the architect of the Constitution. He highlighted this by citing the example of installing portraits of Dr. BR Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh in government offices, emphasizing the party's commitment to preserving and honoring the values these icons represented. He assured the people that the AAP would continue to resist any move aimed at tampering with the Constitution or the rights of marginalized communities.

AAP called upon the BJP and RSS to clarify their stance on the Constitution and warned them against any further attempts to harm the foundational principles of democracy and equality. The AAP leader said that, "India belongs to every citizen, and no one will be allowed to trample upon the ideals of

Dr. Ambedkar."

(editor@dailyworld.in)