A bandh called to condemn the vandalism of a Constitution replica held by a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar turned violent in Maharashtra’s Parbhani on Wednesday. The violence in Parbhani started after a person named Sopan Dattarao Pawar (45) allegedly tore the replica of the Constitution placed in front of Babasaheb Ambedkar's statue in the city on Tuesday. Soon after the news spread, a citywide bandh (shutdown) was called.Protesters demanded strict action against the person responsible for damaging the replica of the Constitution and sought protection for all statues of national leaders.
Prakash Ambedkar, leader of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) called out the entire episode shameful. "The vandalisation of the Constitution of India at Babasaheb's statue by casteist Maratha miscreants in Parbhani is absolutely very shameful, to say the least. It is not the first time such vandalism of Babasaheb's statue or symbol of Dalit identity has happened. VBA Parbhani District karyakartas were the first to be on the scene and their protests led to the police filing an FIR and arresting one of the miscreants. "The former MP requested all VBA workers to maintain law and order while warning, "If all the miscreants are not arrested within the next 24 hours, consequences will follow."
The administration has imposed prohibitory orders to prevent the assembly of people in one place. The police are informing the public of the prohibitory orders through speakers and advising against gatherings on streets or grounds. The VBA Parbhani District karyakartas were quick to take action, organizing protests that led to the filing of an FIR and the arrest of one of the accused. Their efforts brought the incident to the attention of the authorities, and Ambedkar’s appeal for swift and decisive action was met with strong support .As the Parbhani Bandh unfolded, Ambedkar called for unity and adherence to law and order, while reiterating the importance of safeguarding the values of justice, equality, and respect for all communities that Babasaheb Ambedkar championed.