Punjab Government Under Fire After Attempt to Vandalize Dr. Ambedkar’s Statue in Amritsar

The Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has come under severe criticism after an attempt to vandalize Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s statue in Amritsar triggered widespread protests. Dalit community organizations called for a shutdown in the city on January 26, 2025, marking their outrage over the incident. Opposition parties have accused the State government of failing to maintain law and order.

The alleged vandal, identified as Akash Singh from Dharamkot village in Moga district, was caught on camera hammering the statue located near the Golden Temple on the city’s heritage street. The incident, which occurred on Republic Day, has raised questions about the government's preparedness and security measures during such a significant national event.

Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and Akash Singh has been arrested. He stated, “We are investigating all possible angles and attempting to identify if anyone else was involved. Initial findings indicate that Akash belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, and a fair investigation is underway.”

Meanwhile, protests by Dalit organizations brought Amritsar to a standstill. Heavy police deployment ensured that the demonstrations remained peaceful. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the incident, assuring strict action against the accused. “Our government is committed to preventing any attempts to disrupt harmony in Punjab. Anti-social elements will not be spared,” he said.

Opposition parties seized the opportunity to criticize the AAP government. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa called it a "complete failure of governance," accusing CM Mann of neglecting his duties while campaigning for Delhi elections. Similarly, senior Akali Dal leader Daljit Singh Cheema stated that the incident had hurt the sentiments of millions and exposed the poor state of law enforcement in Punjab.

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh demanded a Special Investigative Team (SIT) to probe the matter thoroughly. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also condemned the vandalism and accused the Punjab government of negligence. She called for strict and immediate action against those responsible for the incident.