A significant and determined protest march unfolded in Nashik on Wednesday, as hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets to vociferously demand the preservation of reverence for Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. The massive rally also called for the immediate resignation of cabinet minister Girish Mahajan, citing his failure to mention Dr. Ambedkar's name during his address at the main Republic Day ceremony in Nashik on January 26.
March Traverses Key Nashik Landmarks
The protest commenced from the Nashik Road area, where participants first paid homage by garlanding a statue of Dr. Ambedkar. From there, the procession embarked on a lengthy route covering more than 10 kilometers, weaving through several prominent localities and landmarks. The march progressed through areas including:
- The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue area in Nashik Road
- Bytco Chowk
- Dutt Mandir
- Upnagar
- Ambedkar Nagar
- Bodhle Nagar
- Dwarka Chowk
Ultimately, the rally culminated at the Dr. Ambedkar statue located at Shalimar, symbolically reinforcing their core demand for constitutional respect.
Heavy Security Deployment and Traffic Disruptions
In anticipation of the large-scale demonstration, local authorities implemented stringent security measures. Police forces were heavily deployed along the entire route to prevent any potential untoward incidents and ensure public order. Consequently, the road between CBS and Shalimar was completely closed to traffic from both directions, causing significant disruptions but allowing the protest to proceed unimpeded.
Memorandum Presented to District Collector
Following the march, a delegation representing the protesters formally presented a memorandum outlining their demands to District Collector Ayush Prasad. This document encapsulated their dual grievances: the imperative to uphold Dr. Ambedkar's legacy and the call for Minister Mahajan's resignation over the perceived slight during the Republic Day celebrations. The action underscores the protesters' resolve to seek official redressal for their concerns through established administrative channels.
The protest highlights ongoing sensitivities surrounding the commemoration of Dr. Ambedkar's contributions in Maharashtra, particularly in regions with significant Dalit populations. It also reflects broader political tensions, as such omissions in public speeches are often viewed as symbolic erasures with deep cultural and political ramifications.
