Dalit outreach: SP installs Ambedkar statue in office

Lucknow: Keen to establish its pro-dalit credentials after its friendship with the BSP, the Samajwadi Party has now installed a statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar in its state headquarters.

SP president Akhilesh Yadav, who unveiled the statue on Saturday on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, said that his party always followed the path shown by Dr Ambedkar.

The move is said to be another step to consolidate the SP alliance with the BSP.

Mr Yadav said that it was unfortunate that several of those who were in power, had not even read and adopted the constitution written by Dr Ambedkar.

“For us, it is a matter of honour that we are unveiling the statue of Dr Ambedkar in this Lohia auditorium — the two great men who have been our inspiration in politics,” he said.

Mr Yadav lashed out at the BJP for the rape incidents in Unnao and Kathua and demanded ‘strictest’ action against the accused in both the cases. “The government must prove itself by ensuring strict action in both the cases,” he added.

He slammed the BJP and said that the party had blamed his government for not improving the law and border but now the crime graph had peaked in the BJP regime. “They are setting up false cases against their political rivals and the police are being used for this purpose. The top officials are a party to this strategy and have been shielding the accused,” he added.

Replying to a question, Mr Yadav said that he hoped that the CBI will bring out the truth in the case.

He asked the state government to give a government job to the rape victim and also a compensation of Rs 50 lakh.