On the solemn occasion of the 69th Mahaparinirvan Diwas, marking the death anniversary of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring launched a sharp political attack. He alleged a dual assault on the legacy of the architect of the Indian Constitution, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) within Punjab.
Floral Tributes and Political Charges
Warring began the day by paying floral tributes at the statue of the Bharat Ratna recipient at Ambedkar Bhawan in Chandigarh. However, his homage quickly transitioned into a forceful political statement. He asserted that only the Indian National Congress remains truly committed to preserving and following the teachings and the constitutional vision of Baba Saheb.
"Whether in power or out of it, the Congress has always not only cherished and followed the teachings and legacy of Baba Saheb but has guarded it against the forces inimical to his teachings," Warring stated. He vowed that the party would always continue to follow and preach Ambedkar's ideals.
The Allegations Against BJP and AAP
The Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief delineated separate charges against the two rival parties. He claimed the BJP at the Centre is actively seeking to change the very Constitution crafted and bequeathed to the nation by Dr. Ambedkar. Warring credited the strong resistance put up by the Congress and its leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, for preventing such changes so far.
Turning to the state's ruling party, he accused the AAP government in Punjab of paying mere "lip service" to Ambedkar's ideals. Warring criticized the display of Ambedkar's portraits in AAP offices as a superficial gesture, arguing that on the ground, the party's actions contradict the leader's teachings. He drew a direct parallel, stating, "like the BJP was misusing and abusing the Constitution at the centre, the AAP was doing the same thing in Punjab."
Specific Accusations and a Call to Unity
Warring provided a specific example of his allegations against the AAP government. He pointed to the ongoing Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, accusing the administration of misusing official machinery and police. "Followers of Baba Saheb Ambedkar will never do that as it undermines the very Constitution he has given us," he added emphatically.
The event also saw former education minister and MLA Pargat Singh emphasizing the need to move beyond symbolic gestures. He noted that while people across India offer garlands to Ambedkar's statues on his anniversary, his ideals are often forgotten after the ceremonies. Singh stressed that India's enduring democracy is a testament to Ambedkar's vision.
To genuinely honor that vision, he called for a unified, non-partisan effort. "To truly protect democracy, all political parties and leaders must rise above partisan politics and unite to defend the Constitution B R Ambedkar gave us," Singh urged, highlighting the protection of the sanctity of the vote as the backbone of democracy.
