Hooghly, May 23 (H.S.): Bhaskar Bhattacharya, MLA of Serampore, on Sunday paid floral tribute to the statue of Dr B.R. Ambedkar near the Brahmananda School ground in Rishra. A large number of local residents and supporters were present during the programme.

The location had earlier become politically significant after Bhattacharya alleged that he was prevented from garlanding the statue during the election campaign and was also subjected to misbehaviour.

Speaking after offering tribute, the MLA said that during his previous visit, the statue of the architect of the Indian Constitution had allegedly been kept locked and he was not allowed to pay homage.

“Today we have opened that lock so that common people can also offer garlands and pay respect to Babasaheb Ambedkar freely. Dr Ambedkar belongs to the entire nation and not to any particular political party,” Bhattacharya said.

He further alleged that some members of a All India Trinamool Congress-backed club who had stopped him earlier lacked proper understanding of the Constitution and democratic values.

The BJP MLA said Dr Ambedkar dedicated his life to securing constitutional rights and social justice for marginalised communities, and no one should be prevented from paying tribute to such a national icon.

The incident has once again triggered political debate in the area, with BJP supporters describing the event as a “victory of democratic rights,” while political reactions continue at the local level.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey