Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marked the solemn occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's death anniversary with significant announcements aimed at protecting the legacy of the Constitution's architect. On Saturday, December 6, observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas, CM Yogi declared a new government system to safeguard statues of Baba Saheb from vandalism and detailed enhanced welfare measures for marginalized groups.
Statue Protection and Infrastructure Boost
Addressing a gathering at the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Mahasabha office complex in Lucknow's Hazratganj, the Chief Minister expressed concern over repeated attempts to damage Ambedkar statues across the state. He announced concrete steps to erect boundary walls and install protective canopies over statues that currently lack shelter. This initiative, he stated, is designed to ensure the respectful and secure preservation of these monuments.
Further extending his focus on development, CM Yogi committed to completing a program that guarantees proper road connectivity to every slum, Dalit settlement, Scheduled Caste settlement, and tribal settlement in Uttar Pradesh. This move is seen as a critical step toward integrating these communities with mainstream infrastructure.
Political Critique and Constitutional Pride
In his speech, CM Yogi launched a sharp criticism against the Congress party, referencing a historical incident. He pointed out that in 1923, a senior Congress leader who was also the party president at the time, refused to sing 'Vande Mataram'. Yogi Adityanath asserted that political parties following appeasement policies are damaging India and insulting the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar. He quoted Ambedkar's caution about leaders who, despite benefiting from India, do not hold its soil sacred.
Contrasting this, he praised the current national leadership. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the new India feels proud of its great men and honours them," the CM said, linking the government's welfare schemes to Ambedkar's constitutional principles of justice, equality, and fraternity.
Welfare for Workers and Zero Poverty Campaign
The Chief Minister also unveiled plans for the state's workforce. He revealed that a corporation has been established, and within the next one to two months, the government will guarantee a minimum honorarium for all Class IV employees, sanitation workers, and contract workers.
He provided an update on the 'Zero Poverty' campaign, stating that the identification of deprived individuals from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Most Backward Classes is nearing completion. The 'double-engine government'—a reference to the same party ruling at the state and centre—is working to ensure these groups access all benefits and facilities, he added.
The day's commemorations began earlier with floral tributes paid by President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, among other dignitaries, at Parliament. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, passed away on December 6, 1956. The nation observes this day as Mahaparinirvan Diwas to honour his monumental contributions to social justice and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
