Mon Jan 27 23:08:19 IST 2025: ## Punjab AAP Government Under Fire After Ambedkar Statue Vandalism Attempt

**Amritsar, Punjab –** A man’s attempt to vandalize a statue of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar in Amritsar on Republic Day has sparked outrage and placed the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government under intense scrutiny. The incident, captured on video, shows the accused using a ladder to hammer the statue near the Golden Temple.

Police have arrested Akash Singh, a resident of Moga district, and filed an FIR under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those related to deliberate acts intended to outrage religious feelings. While police claim initial investigations suggest the accused is from the Scheduled Caste community and they are exploring possible accomplices, the Opposition has vehemently criticized the AAP government’s handling of the situation.

The incident led to a shutdown in Amritsar called by Dalit organizations, prompting heavy police deployment. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann promised exemplary punishment for the accused and asserted the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

However, opposition parties—including the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Congress, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—accused the AAP government of negligence and a failure to maintain law and order, particularly citing the incident’s occurrence on Republic Day near a heavily secured area. Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa criticized CM Mann for prioritizing Delhi election campaigning over his responsibilities in Punjab. The BJP demanded a special investigative team. BSP chief Mayawati also condemned the incident, blaming the AAP government’s negligence. The incident has reignited the debate surrounding law and order in Punjab.

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