Nashik Forest Guard's Protest Over Ambedkar Omission at Republic Day Function
In a dramatic incident at Nashik's Police Parade Ground during Republic Day celebrations, forest guard Madhavi Jadhav expressed strong disapproval after state cabinet minister Girish Mahajan omitted the name of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar from his official speech. The event, intended to commemorate India's constitutional values, took an unexpected turn when Jadhav, who was present in uniform for the parade, reacted to what she perceived as a significant oversight.
Tension Erupts at Official Function
According to eyewitness accounts, Jadhav attempted to approach the stage where a woman was anchoring the programme, but was stopped by police personnel. This intervention reportedly escalated her frustration, leading her to voice her anger publicly. "I would not let the identity of Dr Ambedkar get wiped away," she was heard declaring at the venue, highlighting her commitment to preserving the legacy of the architect of the Indian Constitution.
The situation created palpable tension among attendees, prompting police to escort Jadhav to the Sarkarwada police station for further questioning. Senior police officials confirmed that no formal complaint has been registered against the forest guard as of now. However, they acknowledged that Jadhav has submitted a written application demanding legal action against Minister Girish Mahajan under the provisions of the Atrocities Act.
Forest Guard's Account and Demands
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Madhavi Jadhav elaborated on her actions. She explained that while attending the Republic Day function, she realized Minister Mahajan had made a critical error by not mentioning Dr. Ambedkar. "My only intention was to ensure that the identity of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, who gave us the Constitution, is not wiped away," she stated. Jadhav claimed she approached the stage politely to bring this matter to the minister's attention but was instead surrounded by police "like a criminal," which led her to raise slogans honoring Dr. Ambedkar.
Jadhav further revealed that she later learned about Girish Mahajan's apology for the omission, but expressed dissatisfaction with it. She is now demanding a written apology from the minister and wants to see concrete police action in response to her complaint application. In a stern warning, Jadhav indicated that if Mahajan fails to provide a written apology, she may consider initiating a hunger strike to press her demands.
Minister's Response and Broader Implications
On the same day, Girish Mahajan took to social media platform X to address the controversy. In his post, he emphasized his immense respect for Dr. Ambedkar and noted his active participation in Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti celebrations. Mahajan attributed the omission to an unintentional mistake during his speech, seeking to clarify that it was not a deliberate act of disrespect.
This incident underscores the deep reverence for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in Indian public life and the sensitivity surrounding his recognition at official events. It also raises questions about protocol and accountability in political speeches, particularly during national celebrations like Republic Day.
The developments in Nashik have sparked discussions about:
- The importance of acknowledging constitutional figures in public addresses
- The mechanisms for addressing grievances during government functions
- The role of public servants in upholding democratic values
- Potential legal ramifications under the Atrocities Act
As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to monitor the matter while balancing freedom of expression with maintaining order at public events. The forest guard's steadfast stance reflects broader societal expectations for proper recognition of Dr. Ambedkar's contributions to the nation.
