Effigies Burnt, Presidential Memo Submitted: MP Lawyer Face Backlash for Remarks Against Dr. Ambedkar

Bhopal- A controversial comment made by Advocate Anil Mishra, former president of the Gwalior Bar Association, against Constitution architect Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has triggered widespread outrage across Madhya Pradesh. What began as a protest in Gwalior has now intensified in several districts, including Bhopal, Ratlam, Indore, and Jabalpur.

The remarks, along with a recent incident of a shoe being thrown at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, have reignited a nationwide debate on the Constitution and social justice.

Dalit, Tribal, and Bahujan organizations, alongside political parties like the Congress, BJP, and Aazad Samaj Party, have unanimously condemned the statement.

In Ratlam, Dalit-Tribal organizations staged a powerful demonstration, burning effigies of Advocate Anil Mishra and what they termed "casteist mentality." Protesters asserted that this was not just an attack on an individual but an assault on the Constitution and the identity of the Dalit community.

In Bhopal, the Madhya Pradesh Congress Scheduled Caste Department submitted a memorandum to the President, adopting a stern stance on the matter. Led by the department's President, Pradeep Ahirwar, Congress workers staged a protest, burned an effigy of the lawyer, and demanded immediate action.

"This is not just an attack on a person but a direct blow to the soul of the Constitution and the dignity of the judiciary," said Pradeep Ahirwar. "The millions of followers of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar will never tolerate this insult."

Key Demands by the Congress Committee

In their memorandum, the Congress committee made the following key demands to the President:

1. An immediate investigation into the shoe-throwing incident at the Chief Justice in the Supreme Court premises and the arrest of the accused lawyer.

2. Strict legal action, including sedition charges, against Advocate Anil Mishra and the cancellation of his license to practice law.

3. Implementation of a "zero tolerance policy" against caste-based hatred and discrimination.

4. The establishment of a monitoring mechanism to ensure the protection and respect of the Dalit community within the judiciary and other institutions.

5. A nationwide sensitization campaign on equality and constitutional values.

"If the Chief Justice Isn't Safe, How is the Dalit Community?"

Pradeep Ahirwar highlighted a critical concern, stating, "If even the Dalit Chief Justice of the country is not safe within the Supreme Court 78 years after independence, it raises a question mark on the dignity of the entire Dalit society."

He emphasized that an attack on Dalit representatives in high positions is an attack on India's conscience and its Constitution, urging the President for immediate intervention. Ahirwar also demanded that cases be registered against the accused lawyers under serious sections, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), to deter anyone from daring to attack the Constitution and Dalit identity in the future.

The controversial remarks have drawn condemnation from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Aazad Samaj Party, BJP, and Congress. Leaders from the Bhim Army and Aazad Samaj Party described it as the "poison of a Manuvadi mindset" and demanded stringent action.

The Congress Scheduled Caste Department has issued a clear warning, stating that if prompt action is not taken against the accused, a nationwide movement will be launched.