MP: Bhim Army Protests Ambedkar Photo Omission in Republic Day Celebrations, Faces Legal Action

Bhopal- A controversy unfolded during the Republic Day celebrations at the historical fort ground of Deori in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, where a dispute arose over the omission of a photograph of the chief architect of the Constitution, Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

Organizers did not include Ambedkar's image alongside depictions of Devi Saraswati and Bharat Mata. The omission prompted objections from Bhim Army workers, leading to a heated altercation between the organizers and members of the Bhim Army. Subsequently, a complaint was filed by the organizers, resulting in the police taking action against Bhim Army workers.

The genesis of the conflict lies in the Republic Day program at Deori's historical fort ground, where individuals raised concerns about the absence of Baba Saheb Ambedkar's photograph. A Janpad Panchayat employee then resorted to verbal abuse against the objecting Bhim Army workers, sparking a verbal spat that quickly escalated into a physical altercation.

Following a complaint by Janpad Panchayat government employee Madan Gopal Dubey, the police unilaterally took action against few individuals, registering a case against eight Bhim Army workers under sections 294, 506, 34, 332, 353. Subsequently, three individuals were arrested and sent to jail.

Tensions have escalated within the Bhim Army, with growing discontent over what they perceive as one-sided actions taken by the authorities. Speaking to The Mooknayak, Dharmendra Ahirwar, the former District President of Bhim Army in Sagar, expressed his dissatisfaction and asserted his intention to meet with the Superintendent of Police (SP), presenting a memorandum urging swift action against the accused employees and a comprehensive re-examination of the entire incident.

Ahirwar explained that their workers had simply requested the inclusion of Baba Saheb Ambedkar's photo at the venue, but instead of addressing the concern, the employees responded with caste-based abuses, escalating the situation into a physical altercation.

He warned of potential protests, including blocking roads and chakka jaam should the police fail to register a case against the implicated employees.

The Mooknayak spoke with Sub-Divisional Officer Police Operations (SDOPO) Shashikant Sareram on this matter. Sharing details the officer shed light on the origins of the dispute during the Republic Day celebrations. He stated that a sudden altercation arose at the venue, instigated by certain individuals. Assistant Accounts Officer Madan Gopal Dubey from the District Panchayat had filed a formal complaint, specifically citing allegations of assault. Following this complaint, law enforcement took prompt action, registering a case against the accused individuals under various legal provisions.