Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, paying rich tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his death anniversary, described the Constitution crafted by the Dalit icon as the "book of fortune" for the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) alliance. The SP chief, who was denied permission by the Lucknow district administration to chair a scheduled event in the state capital, took his message to other parts of Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.
Denied Permission in Lucknow, Akhilesh Takes Tribute Tour
After being refused authorization for an event in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav visited Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, and Etawah. It was outside the historic Fatehpur Sikri Fort that he addressed the media, speaking extensively on the legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar, the sanctity of the Constitution, and contemporary political issues. He also paid homage to the architect of the Indian Constitution through a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
The SP leader underscored the critical need to protect the Constitution in the current political climate. He expressed dismay that the present discourse in Parliament revolves around safeguarding the Constitution itself, whereas the ideal discussion should be about achieving progress by following the path it illuminates. "Today we are remembering Babasaheb. It is because of the Constitution which he has given that we are getting our rights and dignity," Akhilesh told reporters.
Constitution as the Last Hope and Call for a New Slogan
Akhilesh Yadav made a forceful declaration, stating that Ambedkar's Constitution is the last hope for the PDA and for a vast section of Indian society. He asserted that the document represents the final bastion for 90% of the country's population, which he described as comprising the deprived, exploited, discriminated against, and victimized.
In a significant rhetorical move, he proposed a modification to a famous national slogan. "There is a need to modify the old slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan and add Jai Samvidhan to it," the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said. He emphasized that a "Do or Die" mass movement is now essential to ensure the protection of the Constitution and democratic rights.
Accusations Against BJP and Pillars of the Constitution
The SP chief did not mince words in his criticism of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. He accused the BJP of attempting to change the Constitution, warning that such a move would fundamentally weaken India's democratic framework. "People who want to bring in autocracy are trying to weaken the democratic set-up in India. Those who want to deprive people of their rights and dues will try to oppose the provisions enshrined in our Constitution," Akhilesh Yadav alleged.
He outlined what he believes are the essential pillars of Ambedkar's Constitution: reservation, and the vision of a socialist and secular society. Any attack on these principles, he implied, is an attack on the foundational document itself.
Meanwhile, tributes were paid to Dr. Ambedkar across Uttar Pradesh by Samajwadi Party workers. At the party headquarters in Lucknow, SP national secretary Rajendra Chaudhary offered flowers on behalf of Akhilesh Yadav. State president Shyam Lal Pal garlanded the Ambedkar statue at Hazratganj crossing. In Shamli district's Thanabhawan assembly seat, senior party functionary Prof Sudhir Panwar presided over a seminar focusing on the Constitution and the imperative to protect it.
