Clash Over Nameplate on BR Ambedkar Statue Sparks Political Tension in Rajasthan:

A dispute happened between Congress and BJP leaders in the town of Bonli, located in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, when a nameplate showing Congress MLA Indira Meena’s name alongside other Congress workers’ names was fixed to the statue of BR Ambedkar. The dispute turned largely violent on Sunday evening.

In a clip that circulated on social media, Meena is shown on the bonnet of a car, which reportedly belongs to the BJP mandal president, Hanumat Dixit.

Political Background

The statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar was erected in Bonli two years back. Recently, a nameplate also bearing the names of Congress MLA Indira Meena and some other Congress workers was affixed to the statue.

Some BJP members, Hanumat Dixit for instance, went to the place ondemanded the nameplate’s removal, accusing political interference.

Indira Meena Responds to Allegations

Indira Meena said that the statue was put up during the last Congress Rule under Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in an exclusive to the Indian Express. She went on to explain how the nameplate claimed was an honor for contributing to erecting the statue.

Meena charged BJP workers with reaching the site around 9 PM highly intoxicated, and damaging municipal beautification attempts. She stated, There was rowdy behavior towards the laborers and the nameplate was taken off roughly. I was called on location and with no police action, I dealt with the situation myself.

Celebration of Ambedkar Jayanti Across the State

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment organized a function at Rajasthan International Center (RIC) on Monday for marking the 134th birth anniversary of Dale B. Shastri. Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Chief Minister, was present at the program too.