Condemning the demolition of Dr Ambedkar Bhavan at Dadar in Central Mumbai, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, on Saturday, said the issue would be brought up in the Monsoon Session of Rajya S
Condemning the demolition of Dr Ambedkar Bhavan at Dadar in Central Mumbai, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, on Saturday, said the issue would be brought up in the Monsoon Session of Rajya Sabha. The iconic building was demolished last month, spurring a controversy when family members of Babasaheb Ambedkar objected to action and filed an FIR against ‘The People’s Improvement Trust,’ which runs the institute.
“It’s highly regrettable that the Ambedkar Bhavan has been brought down. It was not just a historical structure, but also a heritage building,” he said.
Responding to the rationale that the Bhavan was demolished for redevelopment, Mr Yechury said, “No matter what they say, the way it happened is highly condemnable. They should have had developed a consensus, talked to all people and considered all aspects before taking the decision,” further adding that the issue would be raised not just by them, but many other people.
The opposition Congress and NCP along with Ambedkar’s family are going to hold a protest on Monday against the demolition.
On whether he would join the protest rally of former MP Prakash Ambedkar on July 19, Yechury said, “He has invited me to be part of the protest rally. Let see what happens in Delhi... if I get an opportunity, I will definitely come.”
The Ambedkar Bhavan and the Buddha Bhushan printing press started by Babasaheb Ambedkar were demolished by People’s Improvement Trust on June 26, claiming that it was dilapidated and a grand Ambedkar Bhavan would come up in its place.
However, the family has dismissed the trust’s plans for building a 17-storey building with various amenities in the place where Dr Ambedkar Bhavan stood.
Grandson of Dr Ambedkar, Anandraj Ambedkar had lodged an FIR in the Bhoiwada police station against the demolition. “There were several offices, a library, a printing press, and a computer room, which have all been demolished completely. The demolition was conducted in the early hours to avoid protests. We have lodged an FIR and want immediate action from the police. Ratnakar Gaikwad, information commissioner of the state, is behind the demolition,” Mr Ambedkar had alleged.
