Ambedkar Jayanti updates: Narendra Modi integrating Dalit icon's grand vision into governance, says Venkaiah Naidu

BR Ambedkar symbol of excellence that every Indian was inspired by: Venkaiah Naidu

A lawyer, an Economist, a Teacher, a Philosopher, a Social visionary and a Statesman - Dr. Ambedkar was the symbol of excellence that every Indian was inspired by.
Dr. Ambedkar's thoughts have left an indelible, lasting footprint on the sands of contemporary Indian history. pic.twitter.com/TVQ3XDuPO0

— Vice President of India (@VPIndia) April 14, 2018

Narendra Modi integrating BR Ambedkar’s vision into governance: Venkaiah Naidu

We are indeed fortunate that the country is being led by a visionary leader like Narendrabhai Modi who has not only been inspired by Dr. Ambedkar's grand vision but has made it a mission to integrate this vision into the overall governance of the country.

— Vice President of India (@VPIndia) April 14, 2018

Need to end caste discrimination to achieve BR Ambedkar’s idea of India: Ram Nath Kovind

डॉक्टर आंबेडकर ने ऐसे समाज की कल्पना की थी जहां आखरी छोर पर बैठे पीड़ित, शोषित, वंचित, गरीब, किसान, मजदूर और विशेषकर महिलाओं को सबके साथ बराबरी का हक और सम्मान मिले। वे शांति, अहिंसा और सौहार्द के साथ सभी मुद्दों का समाधान करने के हिमायती थे — राष्ट्रपति कोविन्द pic.twitter.com/0CGKsOIRGK

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 14, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind receives first copy of  book on BR Ambedkar released by Venkaiah Naidu 

#PresidentKovind receives first copy of the book "Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: Vyakti Nahin Sankalp" at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The book was released by the Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu pic.twitter.com/EAsJR5pEGN

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 14, 2018

Vice President Venkiah Naidu releases book on BR Ambedkar

Watch Live: Vice President @MVenkaiahNaidu releases book ‘Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar: Vyakti Nahi Sankalp’. President #RamNathKovind receives first copy of the book https://t.co/keRvlzwb7m pic.twitter.com/vFsPtps39e

— DD News (@DDNewslive) April 14, 2018

Amarinder Singh appeals for peace in wake of violence in Phagwara

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Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh today appealed to people to maintain peace and harmony in the wake of a clash between two communities in Phagwara on eve of BR Ambedkar’s 127th birth anniversary, while warning of stringent action against anyone found disturbing law and order in the state.

Amarinder has also directed the police to maintain a tight vigil and crackdown on disruptive elements to ensure that the situation does not escalate further.

The chief minister also announced that the state government would bear the entire expenses for the treatment of all those injured in the clashes, whether admitted to government or private hospitals.

PTI

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Internet services suspended in four districts of Punjab following reports of violence in Phagwara

Mobile internet and SMS services were suspended today in four districts of Punjab following clashes between two groups in Phagwara over renaming of a chowk. 

The incident took place when members of a group allegedly installed a board carrying a picture of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar and tried to rename a city square as Savidhan Chowk.

However, members of another group objected to it and that led to a clash between both the groups, police said. Several vehicles were damaged during the clashes as members of both the groups pelted stones at each other.

PTI

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tribute to BR Ambedkar on his 127th birth anniversary

आज डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर महासभा, लखनऊ में भारतरत्न बाबा साहब डॉ. बी.आर. अम्बेडकर जी प्रतिमा पर माल्यार्पण कर उन्हें भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि अर्पित की तथा डॉ. अम्बेडकर जी के अस्थि कलश स्थल पर पुष्प भी अर्पित किए। pic.twitter.com/4y7PiQw6TX

— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) April 14, 2018

Akhilesh Yadav unveils Ambedkar’s statue in Samajwadi Party office

The Samajwadi Party today unveiled a statue of BR Ambedkar at its office in Lucknow on the occasion of his 127th birth anniversary.

The statue was unveiled by SP chief Akhilesh Yadav at the Lohia Auditorium.

Speaking at the occasion, Akhilesh said, “We cannot forget the contributions of Ambedkar, who united people of all castes He framed the Constitution and on his anniversary we take pledge to follow path of secularism,” he said.

PTI

‘Dalit-speak’ of Narendra Modi, BJP a sham: Mayawati

​Mayawati lashed out at Narendra Modi and said his words and the acts of BJP about Dalit welfare and respect for Dalit icon Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is a sham.

“Both Modi and Yogi have done nothing for the oppressed, marginalised and the Dalits and they are only paying lip service to the cause of these sections of the society,” she said.

This double standards — of launching schemes and naming buildings and monuments in the name of BR Ambedkar while remaining silent on atrocities on Dalits — would neither be tolerated nor accepted, the BSP supremo said. 

She also blamed the Narendra Modi government of not pleading for the SC/ST Act case forcefully enough in the apex court and added that this showed they were not honest towards welfare of the Dalits, who have been oppressed for years.

The 62-year-old leader said that taking name of Ambedkar did not behove both Modi and the ruling BJP as every day they would trample upon the tenets of the Constitution that was the brainchild of the Dalit stalwart.

IANS

Amarinder Singh announces welfare schemes on occasion of 127th birth anniversary of Ambedkar

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My govt remains committed to the welfare of the Dalit Samaj. I’ve announced today on #AmbedkarJayanti that we’ll revive the Dr Ambedkar chair in GNDU & set up a new degree college in Jalandhar. Have also announced Rs 20 cr for Sri Ravidass Memorial & Rs 6 cr for Ambedkar Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/EjfDwhzjZc

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) April 14, 2018

Union minister Upendra Kushwaha seeks quota system in judiciary

Speaking at an event organised by Rashtriya Lok Samata Party in Bihar to commemorate Dalit icon BR Ambedkar’s 127th birth anniversary, Upendra Kushwa said that there is no democracy in the court of the country, and the SC/ST community has no representation in the courts. 

The minister also said that the government should unite to create quota system in judiciary for SC/ST and OBC community.

India Today

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No one has power to end reservation: Nitish Kumar

Speaking at an event organised to commemorate Dalit icon BR Ambedkar’s 127th birth anniversary, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said that no one has enough power to end reservation for Dalits and backward classes in education and government jobs.

He said that he did not know who is saying something or thinking on reservation, but all should understand that no one can play with reservation.

“We are influenced by thoughts of Ambedkar and have been trying to spread it among people to fulfill his dream,” he said.

PTI

Minorities enjoy rights that majority doesn’t: Satya Pal Singh

While speaking on ‘Rule of law and role of BR Ambedkar in nation-building’ at an event at Delhi University, Union minister Satya Pal Singh said that the minorities enjoyed many rights that the majority did not, and advocated that the way the Constitution given by BR Ambedkar had been interpreted in the past few decades needed a “revisit”.

PTI

Sikhs stage protest in United Nations on Ambedkar birth anniversary celebration

A group of 25 Sikhs, some wearing black turbans, protested against the alleged atrocities perpetrated against minority communities in India during the commemoration of Babasaheb Ambedkar’s 127th birth anniversary at the world body’s headquarters. 

India’s Permanent Mission to the UN had organised a special event titled ‘Leaving No One Behind’ at the UN yesterday to celebrate Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. The group said that they wanted to “expose the hypocrisy” of the Indian government celebrating Ambedkar’s birthday before the world while his ideals were violated in India by the atrocities against Sikhs, Muslims, Christians and Dalits. 

IANS

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling hails Amdedkar for his selfless service to the nation

Pawan Kumar Chamling paid tribute to BR Ambedkar on his 127th birth anniversary. The chief minister also recalled Babasaheb’s role in the framing of Indian constitution.

“It is a day for us to remember the valuable and selfless contribution made by the ‘Father of the Indian Constitution’ for granting equality and social justice to the people of this great Nation,” Chamling said.

PTI

BJP ‘hampering’ Ambedkar’s ideals of Constitution: DMK

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DMK working president MK Stalin appealed to his party cadres and workers of ‘friendly parties’ to take a vow to “end such betrayal.”

“Let us take a vow (on the birth anniversary of Ambedkar) to save the country from the BJP government which is trying to saffronise all the (public) spheres against Tamil Nadu through its politics of communalism and linguistic chauvinism,” he said.

PTI

Watch: How caste discrimination forced Dalit villagers from Chitrakoot district to leave their profession of skinning dead animals

Video by Khabar Lahariya

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Shahnawaz Hussain pays floral tribute to Ambedkar 

Paid floral tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Dr. Ambedkar is a great inspiration who teaches us how to live for the people and how to dedicate a life for the upliftment of the underprivileged & he always committed to unity in society. pic.twitter.com/vP3uC1wYeL

— Syed Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) April 14, 2018

Punjab government suspends mobile internet services following clashes

The Amarinder Singh government has suspended mobile internet, SMS and dongle services  in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar following clashes between two groups

ANI

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy, AIADMK leaders pay tribute to Ambedkar

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Tamil Nadu chief minister K Palaniswamy and Leader of Opposition MK Stalin besides others paid tribute to BR Ambedkar. Palaniswamy and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam garlanded a portrait of Ambedkar at Kodambakkam in the presence of senior AIADMK leaders.

PTI

Rajiv Pratap Rudy pays tribute to Ambedkar 

Paid tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar at Ambedkar Chowk Chhapra, in my parliamentary constituency on the occasion of #AmbedkarJayanti.
The government under the leadership of Shri @narendramodi ji is firmly committed to "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" @BJP4India @AmitShah pic.twitter.com/uwXnvyvPuc

— Rajiv Pratap Rudy (@RajivPratapRudy) April 14, 2018

Ram Nath Kovind is the first president to visit BR Ambedkar’s birthplace

President Ram Nath Kovind paid tributes to chief Constitution-maker BR Ambedkar at his birthplace in the Kalipaltan area, where the Madhya Pradesh government has built a grand memorial.

Kovind is the first president to visit the legendary social reformer’s birthplace in the Mhow cantonment town, which has been rechristened as Ambedkar Nagar in the memory of the leader.

PTI

Ram Nath Kovind celebrates Ambedkar Jayanti in Babasaheb’s birthplace

President Ram Nath Kovind was in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow, the birthplace of BR Ambedkar, to celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti.

Kovind garlanded Ambedkar’s statue in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union social justice minister Thawar Chand Gehlot. The three-day celebration in Mhow — also known as Dr Ambedkar Nagar — to mark the birth anniversary of Ambedkar kicked off on Thursday.

#PresidentKovind addresses a function on Ambedkar Jayanti at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh; emphasises Babasaheb's focus on equality, human dignity, education and non-violent activism pic.twitter.com/oT9pueiU5E

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 14, 2018

Narendra Modi addresses Naxal issue in Bastar 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed that the government was working to develop the situation in the Naxal-affected Bastar district. “Naxals come from outside, not your region. Why are you giving them the authority to take over your children? The government is working so that your children get education, you get the right price for your crops and you live a respectable life,” he said.

BJP government is for the backward, says Narendra Modi 

“Bastar is changing. In future, Bastar’s identity will be that of an economic hub. Connectivity will be to Hyderabad, Visakapatnam, Ahmedabad. New Bastar will be that of new hopes. The day is not far when the sun will rise from the west in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar,” Narendra Modi told the gathering in Chhattisgarh.

“This government is for the poor, the needy, the downtrodden, the backward and the tribals,” he added.

WATCH: Narendra Modi presents pair of slippers to a tribal woman under Charan-Paduka scheme

#WATCH PM Modi presented a pair of slippers to a tribal woman under the Charan-Paduka (footwear) Scheme. The scheme aims to provide footwear to Tendu leaves (tendupatta) collectors to facilitate smooth movement in the forest area pic.twitter.com/foExDYehoH

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018

Narendra Modi talks on Ayushman Bharat scheme

“The first phase of Ayushman Bharat scheme has been started, in which efforts will be made to make major changes in primary health-related areas. In every major panchayat of the country, sub centers and primary health centers will be developed as a health and wellness center in about 1.5 lakh places,” Narendra Modi said.

India has a prime minister because of Ambedkar, says Narendra Modi
Hailing BR Ambedkar’s contribution for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “If there is a prime minister in India, it is because of Babasaheb’s contributions.”

He asserted that his government is committed to the dreams and aspirations of people from all sections of the society. “I have come here to remove the backward tag attached to Bijapur,” he said.

Narendra Modi addresses gathering in Bastar

“14 April is an important day for the 125 crore Indians,” Narendra Modi told the gathering in Bastar.

“Ambedkar was highly-educated. If he wanted, he could’ve lived a comfortable life. But he didn’t do so. He studied abroad, but he came back to India and gave his life to serve the poor,” Modi said.

Narendra Modi launches first ‘Ayushman Bharat’ wellness centre 

Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bastar at the launch of the first wellness centre under ‘Ayushman Bharat’, 

Modi also flagged off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur and inaugurated a dialysis centre at the Bijapur hospital at an event in Bastar district.

Narendra Modi arrives in Bijapur 

#Chhattisgarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the launch of India's first wellness centre under Ayushmaan Bharat, in Bijapur pic.twitter.com/IViuae6j4u

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018

Dalit activists ‘cleanse’ Ambedkar’s statue after Gujarat deputy CM Nitin Patel garlands it in Mehsana

#Mehsana : Dalit activists clean Ambedkar's statue after Dy CM #NitinPatel garlands it.#AmbedkarJayanti pic.twitter.com/rO3DvATaCA

— Tv9 Gujarati (@tv9gujarati) April 14, 2018

Dalit members ‘cleanse’ Ambedkar statue after tributes by Maneka, BJP leaders

Members of Dalit community  “cleansed” BR Ambedkar’s statue in Vadodara soon after Union minister Maneka Gandhi and some BJP leaders paid floral tributes on his 127th birth anniversary, a Dalit leader said, claiming that their presence had “polluted” the atmosphere.

The members of the Dalit community — led by Thakor Solanki, general secretary of SC/ST the Employees Union of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda —started raising slogans against BJP leaders who arrived at the place. After Maneka and other leaders garlanded the statue around 9 am and left the venue, the members of the community washed it with milk and water, saying the BJP leaders’ presence had “polluted” the atmosphere.

PTI

Tension over Ambedkar statue in Punjab town

Tension prevailed in Phagwara town of Punjab’s Kapurthala district on Saturday following a late night clash between two groups over the installation of a Babasaheb BR Ambedkar statue.

The trouble arose on the eve of Ambedkar Jayanti when one group tried to put up the statue at the Balmiki Chowk crossing which was opposed by the other group.

Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Palta was beaten up allegedly by Dalits in Phagwara, late on Friday, informed sources in the police said. Senior police personnel along with additional forces have been deployed in the industrial town following the clash.

IANS

Amit Shah pays tribute to BR Ambedkar in New Delhi

BJP President Amit Shah paid tributes to BR Ambedkar at BJP office located on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/bKcI1YP2Ji

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018

Narendra Modi to launch wellness centre under Ayushman Bharat in Jangla village

Visual from Jangla village in Bijapur district

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Bijapur in Chhatisgarh to open the first health centre under Ayushman Bharat scheme today.

Image procured by: Firstpost Hindi/Amitesh

Mayawati hits out at Narendra Modi over development of Dalit community

“I want to tell Narendra Modi and his government that commemorating places related to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s life and inaugurating schemes in his name will in no way lead to development of Dalits,” ANI quoted Mayawati as saying.

UN celebrates Ambedkar’s legacy ‘fighting inequality, inspiring inclusion’

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar’s legacy of fighting inequality and inspiring inclusion around the world was highlighted in the United Nations at the celebration of his 127th birth anniversary.

UN development programme director Achim Steiner said in his keynote address that Ambedkar’s legacy lives on in a remarkable way in the difficult work undertaken in the UN headquarters everyday. “We are as much entrapped by the contradictions of the world in which we serve and which we confront as Dr Ambedkar was in his time,” he said.

This was the third celebration of Ambedkar Jayanti at the UN and the theme was “Leaving No One Behind”.

IANS

Narendra Modi arrives in Chhattisgarh to launch pro-poor schemes 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in #Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur. pic.twitter.com/VJqTxatuvQ

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018

Dalit activists who stopped BJP leaders from garlanding statue were Jignesh Mevani’s supporters

Ahmedabad: Ruckus at an event on the occasion of #AmbedkarJayanti as MLA Jignesh Mevani's supporters tried to obstruct BJP MPs & members from garlanding BR Ambedkar's statue. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/eghNs9TDfG

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018

Protesting Dalit groups prevent BJP MP from putting garland on Ambedkar’s statue

Five Dalit activists have been detained by police when they attempted to prevent BJP MP Kirit Solanki from putting a garland over BR Ambedkar’s statue, CNN-News18 reported. The activists raised slogans against the BJP.

According to Times Now, the incident occured in Ahmedabad. “No force in the universe can stop us (from paying tribute to Ambedkar),” Solaki told reporters after the incident.

Ambedkar statue vandalised in Greater Noida

A statue of BR Ambedkar in Richhpal Garhi village of Bisrakh in Greater Noida was found damaged on Friday. The incident came to light on Friday morning when the villagers spotted the statue of Ambedkar damaged. Heavy police force was deployed in view of the tense situation.

Suniti Singh, SP (rural), said a case was registered against unknown persons for vandalism and that the guilty would not be spared.

A large number of people from nearby villages had gathered after news of vandalism spread. Police, however, contained the mob. Singh said that the damaged statue was being replaced with a new one.

PTI

Ram Nath Kovind pays floral tributes to BR Ambedkar at Parliament House Lawns

Image courtesy: Twitter/PIBIndia

Rahul Gandhi, LK Advani pays tribute to BR Ambedkar in New Delhi

Congress President Rahul Gandhi and senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani paid tributes to BR Ambedkar at Parliament House in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/reUES0r3Dp

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018

India will defeat forces behind rise in atrocities against Dalits, says Sitaram Yechury

​CPM leader Sitaram Yechury hit out at the NDA government on Twitter, alleging that there was a rise in atrocities against the Dalits in the past three years of its rule. “Past three years have seen the worst atrocities against Dalits — the upper-caste Hindutva ideology spearheads this regression. India will defeat these forces,” he said.

Three years ago, Parliament held a special session for 125 years of Dr Ambedkar's birth. Past three years have seen the worst atrocities against Dalits - the upper caste Hindutva ideology spearheads this regression. India will defeat these forces. #April14 pic.twitter.com/ZlHt7EmE0V

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) April 14, 2018

 Narendra Modi, Ram Nath Kovind, Venkaiah Naidu pay homage to BR Ambedkar in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu and others paid tributes to BR Ambedkar at Parliament House in #Delhi pic.twitter.com/dTX7HJOO4R

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind’s tweets tribute to BR Ambedkar

President Ram Nath Kovind will visit Madhya Pradesh on Saturday to pay tributes to BR Ambedkar at his birthplace in Mhow. The president will grace a function being organised on Babasaheb’s 127th birth anniversary

Homage to Dr B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary. An icon of our nation, Dr Ambedkar was a multifaceted personality who waged a life-long struggle for a modern India free of caste and other prejudices, ensuring equal rights to women and for the disadvantaged #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) April 14, 2018

Ahead of Chhattisgarh visit, Narendra Modi extends wishes on Ambedkar Jayanti

Greetings on Ambedkar Jayanti. Pujya Babasaheb gave hope to lakhs of people belonging to the poorest and marginalised sections of society. We remain indebted to him for his efforts towards the making of our Constitution.

सभी देशवासियों को अम्बेडकर जयंती की शुभकामनाएं। जय भीम! pic.twitter.com/NZW6QsKgN0

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 14, 2018

Updates begin for 14 April, Saturday

Road in east Delhi named after BR Ambedkar

A stretch of road in east Delhi’s Patparganj has been named after Dalit icon Dr Bhimaro Ambedkar, a plaque for which was unveiled on Friday, officials said.

Deputy Mayor of BJP-led EDMC, Vipin Bihari Singh has named the street after Ambedkar and East Delhi BJP MP Maheish Girri unveiled it, the civic body said in a statement.

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, popularly known as Babasaheb, was a jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired the Dalit movement and campaigned against social discrimination against untouchables, while also supporting the rights of women and labour. —PTI

Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi reacts to Narendra Modi’s statement for Kathua, Unnao victims. Accuses BJP and Narendra Modi of having an ‘anti-dalit’ mentality:

Visuals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi

Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi dedicates Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial to the nation https://t.co/m6GEmWRdzR pic.twitter.com/IuqySnb68b

— BJP Odisha (@BJP4Odisha) April 13, 2018

Madhya Pradesh administration asked to protect Ambedkar statues: Police

The Centre has issued an advisory to the Madhya Pradesh government, asking it to “protect” the statues of Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, a senior police official said on Friday. The advisory comes amid a series of vandalism incidents targeting statues and busts, and ahead of Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on Saturday.

The architect of the Constitution was born at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh on 14 April, 1891. A number of Ambedkar’s statues were desecrated following the protest against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST Act by the Supreme Court.

Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Makrand Deouskar said it was not known how many Ambedkar statues were there in Madhya Pradesh. Nonetheless, he said, district authorities have been instructed to ensure the safety of statues.

When asked, he said that the Centre too has “sent an advisory to the state in this regard”.​ President Ram Nath Kovind is scheduled to visit the Ambedkar memorial at Mhow on Saturday. —PTI

Ambedkar statue vandalised in Ambala, Haryana

Statue of BR Ambedkar vandalised by unidentified miscreants in Ambala #Haryana pic.twitter.com/nbHMYEtPjx

— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018

SC/ST Act judgment: Ex-CJI KG Balakrishnan criticises Supreme Court verdict, says it incited violence

Former chief justice of India KG Balakrishnan on Friday said the controversial SC/ST verdict of the Supreme Court was “basically wrong” as the decision will enable perpetrators to get away from the clutches of law.

Balakrishnan, the first Dalit to become CJI (14 January, 2007 to 12 May, 2010) also said that this decision of the apex court has incited violence. “This is probably the first time a decision of the Supreme Court has incited violence among the people. Usually, when violence is there, the Supreme Court intervenes. The people used to accept the verdict.

“Now people are not in a position to accept the verdict of the highest court of the land. It is something which is strange. This we should understand. The Supreme Court should produce decisions which are acceptable to greater number of people. It should not create violence among the society,” he said. 

Govt will bring ordinance on SC/ST Act if needed: Ram Vilas Paswan

Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan on Friday said the NDA government is committed to maintaining the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in its original form and would consider bringing an ordinance if required.

Paswan, who has often aired this view within the government, expressed hope that the apex court would allow the government’s review plea against its order which, many argue, dilutes the legislation’s stringent provisions.

“The government is determined to maintaining the law as it was enacted. If it calls for bringing in a legislation, we will consider doing it,” he said. Official sources said an ordinance can be brought if the apex court rejects the government’s review petition. —PTI

Modi breaks silence on Kathua, Unnao rape cases

“Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice,” Modi said about the Kathua, Unnao rape cases.

I challenge Congress party to tell me about one work they have done for Ambedkar 

“If I was not born in a poor and backward class family, I would have never understood Dr Ambedkar,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while inaugurating the Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi. 

He continued to attack Congress for not acknowledging the work of Ambedkar, saying, “I challenge Congress party to tell me about one work they have done for Dr Ambedkar. They have no answers. Congress is all about dynasty politics.” he added.

“Special courts are being formed for urgent hearing of cases involving torture on SC/ST community. The government has also decided to set up a commission for sub-categorisation of backward castes,” Narendra Modi said in Delhi 

#LIVE -- Government won't allow dilution of law to prevent atrocities on SCs, STs. Special courts are being formed for the urgent hearing of cases involving torture on SC/ST. The government has also decided to set up a commission for sub-categorisation of backward castes: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/eMn4hXULH0

— News18 (@CNNnews18) April 13, 2018

Congress tried its best to remove Ambedkar’s name and his work from history: PM 

“Congress used all its power to remove any mention of Babasaheb Ambedkar and his work from the country’s history. This is the bitter truth of history that when Babasaheb was alive, Congress left no stone un-turned to insult him,” Modi said in Delhi.

Govt strengthened law against atrocities on Dalits, says PM 

“In 2015, we strengthened the law against atrocities on Dalits. We have increased the number of crimes against Dalits enlisted in the law from 22 to 47,” Modi said in Delhi. “Electricity will reach every household. More than two crore Dalits have benefited from the Mudra Yojna,” he added.

“The governement won’t allow dilution of law to prevent atrocities on SCs, STs,” he asserted.

Modi hits out at former govts, says Ambedkar would not have imagined government with working culture of ’latkana, atkana aur bhatkana’ would come to power

“Babasaheb  would not have imagined that after Independence, a government with a working culture of ‘latkana, atkana aur bhatkana’ will come to power. In the last four years, our government has restarted work on programs and schemes that have been pending for many years,” Modi said, hitting out at the former government’s for their inaction while in power. 

“Not to whine about scarcity and not to get distracted by influence, is a mantra given by Dr Ambedkar through his life,” Modi said, adding that Ambedkar’s ideals helped them imbibe the practise of completing schemes before their scheduled dates.

Congress closed files related to Ambedkar memorial, we reopened file to this project in 2014: PM 

“It is a matter of fortune for the government that we have got an opportunity to develop five places associated with Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Modi said while inaugurating the Dr Ambedkar National Memorial at 26 Alipur Road, New Delhi. “This memorial is a symbol of an ordinary person’s extraordinary life,” he added. This memorial will help people know more about Ambedkar, the prime minister said. 

“After Atal Ji’s govt, when Congress came to power they closed the files related to this project, when we were given a chance to serve people in 2014 we dug out the files and worked on it,” Modi added in a jibe at the Opposition party.

Modi said that the earlier governments “have no accountability,” but the ruling NDA government changed this culture. “We have attempted to develop a work culture where we will inaugurate what we have laid foundation for,” he said.

LIVE : PM Shri @narendramodi inaugurates Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial at 26 Alipur Road, New Delhi. https://t.co/7mUH40eIgD

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 13, 2018

Visuals of Narendra Modi’s Delhi Metro commute on his way to inaugurating Ambedkar National Memorial 

PM @narendramodi takes #delhimetro ride on his way to inaugurate Ambedkar National Memorial at 26 Alipur Road pic.twitter.com/QhyvOn8qXt

— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 13, 2018

Memorial a ‘fitting tribute’ to Babasaheb Ambedkar, says PM 

Many governments came to power after Independence, but what should have been done much before has happened now, after decades. The Dr Ambedkar National Memorial memorial is a fitting tribute to Babasaheb  Ambedkar, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ravi Shankar Prasad says 2.90 Lakh CSC e governance service centers across India will undertake a special 10 days long drive as a tribute to BR Ambedkar

As a tribute to Baba Sahab Dr. Ambedkar, 2.90 Lakh @cscegov_ centers working across India will undertake a special 10 days long drive for providing benefits of various transformational schemes of @narendramodi Govt to SC/ST communities. Watch this video & join this effort. pic.twitter.com/QoQp6vjl2v

— Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) April 13, 2018

Narendra Modi to visit Chhattisgarh on Ambedkar Jayanti

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Bijapur district in Chhattisgarh on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April, an official release said on Friday.

The release said that the prime minister will dedicate to the nation the Bhanupratappur-Gudum Railway Line via video conference on Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar’s 127th birth anniversary.

He will flag off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur. He will also inaugurate a dialysis centre at Bijapur Hospital and inaugurate a health and wellness centre, which will mark the launch of the Union government’s ambitious Health Assurance Programme Ayushman Bharat.

He will also launch the Van Dhan Yojana which aims at empowering tribal communities. The prime minister will lay the foundation stone for the construction of 1,988 km of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) roads in Left Wing Extremism areas; other road connectivity projects in LWE areas, water supply scheme of Bijapur and two bridges. —IANS

Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha workers hold a community meal on eve of Ambedkar Jayanti 

@BJYM led by our president @poonam_mahajan ji organised sah-bhoj on the eve of baba saheb dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Ji's jayanti at Delhi Cantt., Valmiki colony, New Delhi. Hon'ble MP & Spokesperson @M_Lekhi graced the occasion. #SamrasBharat #IamNewIndia pic.twitter.com/YZQLye4ZH1

— Pareksheet Dagar (@ipdagar) April 13, 2018

Another Ambedkar statue vandalised in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh

A day before the 127th birth anniversary of Dalit icon Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, another of his statue’s was vandalised in Gajna village in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, police said on Friday.

Officials said the two-feet statue of the Dalit leader was taken off the pedestal on which it had been installed. As a result, his legs came off while the shoes of the statue remained stuck to the brick-concrete pedestal. The police said they were looking for the miscreants behind the act.

Over half-a-dozen incidents of Ambedkar’s statues being vandalised have taken place in various parts of the state over the last one month.

Ambedkar’s statues were vandalised in Meerut, Budayun, Saharanpur, Firozabad and Bulandshahr in March, triggering angry protests from the Opposition Bahujan Samaj Party and the Samajwadi Party. — IANS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Dr BR Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi

Devendra Fadnavis says Ambedkar memorial in Mumbai to be completed by 14 April, 2020 

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced that the memorial to Dalit icon BR Ambedkar, being built in the Indu Mill compound near Chaityabhoomi, would be completed by 14 April, 2020.

“We are committed and working hard to build this grand memorial of Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar of international repute and visible amount of work would be done by 2019 and final completion on 14th April 2020.” Fadnavis tweeted. He added that people would be able to view its splendour from the Bandra Worli Sea Link itself.

The memorial is being built on a 12.5 acre plot at Dadar’s Indu Mill, the bhoomipujan (foundation stone laying ceremony) of which was done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October, 2015. It will include a 350 feet tall statue of Ambedkar, a library and a replica of the historic Chavdar pond in Raigad. It is expected to cost Rs 500 crore. —PTI

My interaction with media on the Grand Memorial of BharatRatna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar At Indu Mill and our other efforts... https://t.co/5n4ojn8ipi

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 13, 2018

Understanding Dalit identity in Yogi Adityanath’s Uttar Pradesh: Kaam, pehchaan, aur rajneeti

Khabar Lahariya, an independent feminist news platform working out of rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, will produce a series of video reports looking at Dalit identity, with interview-based profiles of professions, locales, cultures and lifestyles associated with caste. ‘Kaam, Pehchaan, aur Rajneeti’ will launch on Ambedkar Jayanti, as part of Dalit History Month. Firstpost will be publishing these reports as well. Stay tuned for more interviews and live videos.

Narendra Modi interacts with commuters on his way to 26, Alipur Road, where he is slated to dedicate Dr Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi to the nation 

#WATCH : Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with metro commuters on his way to 26, Alipur Road, where he will dedicate Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial to the nation #Delhi pic.twitter.com/ytx3lB4QAf

— ANI (@ANI) April 13, 2018

Kaam, Pehchaan, aur Rajneeti: Video report from Uttar Pradesh  

Why is Baba Saheb Ambedkar only remembered during Ambedkar Jayanti and elections? Khabar Lahariya discusses this issue with leaders and members of the Dalit community.

Video by Khabar Lahariya

Kaam, Pehchaan, aur Rajneeti: Video report from Uttar Pradesh  

Not just Ambedkar Jayanti, we need to walk on the path of BR Ambedkar’s teachings on all 365 days. I request all my Dalit friends to discuss Ambedkar’s ideals whenever they meet, says Kiran Sethi.

Video by Khabar Lahariya

MHA orders states to beef up security during Ambedkar Jayanti on 14 April

The Centre today asked all states to beef up security and check any possible attempt to inciting violence during the event. The Ministry of Home Affairs also said that Districts Magistrates and Superintendents of Police should ensure peace and check violence in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

This is a third advisory by the MHA within a fortnight. The first one was sent a day before the April 2 Bharat bandh, which was called to protest against the alleged dilution of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The MHA asked the DMs and SPs to activate community policing initiatives to ensure peace and harmony.

BJP, Dalit outfits brace for showdown on Ambedkar’s birth anniversary

As the Bharatiya Janata Party is increasing its outreach to the Dalits in view of the repeated instances of protests and unrest from within the community, the dalit leaders are set to proceed with another protest. The duo are set for a face off as on one hand the BJP has asked its workers and leaders to visit nearly 21,000 villages and spend the night in Dalit homes, Dalit leaders have said Dalit organisations will mark April 14 as ‘protect constitution day’, according to  Buisness Standard .

Dalit activists to observe Protect Constitution Day on 127th Ambedkar Jayanti

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Dalit leaders announced they would observe 14 April as “Protect Constitution Day” across the country. The decision was taken at a meeting in New Delhi. Political leader and activist Prakash Ambedkar, who presided over the meeting, said the government should bring a legislation in the Monsoon Session of Parliament to ensure adequate representation of SCs/STs, Dalits, and Adivasis in the judiciary.

Protect Constitution Day: Firstpost covers issues related to Dalit caste and identity from rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

Uttar Pradesh has been seeing a steady rise in reports about statues of BR Ambedkar being vandalised since little over one month. Incidents of vandalism have been reported from Firozabad, Etah, Meerut, Saharanpur, Siddharthnagar, Bulandshahr and Allahabad districts. In the latest incident, a saffron-coloured Ambedkar statue was re-painted into blue in Badaun district. Meanwhile, the cases of atrocities against Dalits are also on a rise. 

Then the northern parts of the country were brought to a standstill on 2 April due to a massive movement by Dalits protesting against the alleged dilution of SC/ST (PoA)  Act. While the opposition has been accusing BJP of being anti-Dalit for some time, now even BJP MPs from the party have begun to voice their discontent.

In light of 127th Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations on Saturday and the community’s demand for rights and justice, Firstpost will be following all that transpires on 14 April being observed across the country as Protect Constitution Day, starting with video reports looking at Dalit identity by Khabar Lahariya, an independent feminist news platform working out of rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.