Sat Dec 06 19:20:11 UTC 2025: Summary:

This news article from The Hindu, published December 7, 2025, reports on the 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Delhi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid tribute and highlighted the ongoing relevance of Ambedkar’s ideals. She also noted the central government’s initiative to develop Ambedkar’s Mahaparinirvana site. Meanwhile, AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP of trying to erase Ambedkar’s legacy. Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh emphasized the government’s efforts to realize Ambedkar’s vision through improved civic amenities and welfare programs for disadvantaged communities.

News Article:

Ambedkar’s Legacy Celebrated, Contested on 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas in Delhi

NEW DELHI – December 7, 2025 – Delhi observed the 70th Mahaparinirvan Diwas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on Saturday, with tributes and political sparring marking the occasion. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta paid floral tribute at his statue at the National Memorial in north Delhi’s Alipur, emphasizing the leader’s enduring impact on social harmony, equality, and justice.

“His invaluable contribution to the drafting of the Constitution and his lifelong struggle for the rights of the marginalised remain as relevant today as ever,” Ms. Gupta said. She also lauded the central government’s initiative to preserve sites associated with Ambedkar’s life as ‘Panch Teerths’.

However, the occasion was not without political friction. At the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) headquarters, Delhi State president Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the ruling BJP of attempting to “make the country forget” Ambedkar. He alleged the removal of Ambedkar’s portraits from government offices and the renaming of Dr. Ambedkar Schools of Specialised Excellence as evidence of this effort.

“The responsibility to protect society’s interests and fight this battle now lies on the shoulders of the people of this country,” Mr. Bharadwaj stated.

Contrasting this, Social Welfare Minister Ravinder Indraj Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to fulfilling Ambedkar’s vision. He detailed efforts to improve basic civic facilities in neglected areas and expand scholarships, hostels, and skill-development schemes for disadvantaged communities, under the Viksit Delhi initiative.

The contrasting viewpoints underscore the continued significance of Ambedkar’s legacy and the ongoing debate surrounding his ideals in contemporary Indian society.

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