Congress slams BJP as Ambedkar's portrait replaces Jawaharlal Nehru's in MP assembly
Bhopal, Dec 19: A row has erupted over the Madhya Pradesh Assembly's decision to remove the portrait of first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and replace it with that of B R Ambedkar, drawing a sharp reaction from Congress which accused the ruling BJP of disrespecting the "nation builder".
The Congress on Tuesday said it welcomes displaying the portrait of the Father of the Constitution in the House, but it could have been placed along with the photos of Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru.
The first session of the 16th Madhya Pradesh assembly began here on Monday.
MP Assembly Principal Secretary AP Singh told PTI that the portrait of Nehru was replaced with one of Ambedkar during the last session only.
"The then Speaker Girish Gautam had directed to replace the portrait (of Nehru) in the last session in July as it was very old and getting worn out," he said.
Singh said Gautam had directed to renovate portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru as they were getting worn out.
"As Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary was being observed at that time, the speaker directed to put his portrait in place of Nehru and also ensured that Nehru's portrait was kept in a respectful manner in the Gandhi-Nehru section of the library.
"As it was a short duration session, Congress members might have not noticed this change (replacing the portrait)," he said.
In a post on 'X', the Congress said it welcomes the decision to put the portrait of Constitution framer Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar but strongly opposes the move to remove the portrait of the nation-builder Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
"If the BJP had honest intentions, it could have placed the photo of Nehru along with Gandhi and Ambedkar. But it is the culture of the BJP to disrespect the freedom fighters and the nation-builder and therefore, it has removed the photo of Nehru," the Madhya Pradesh Congress tweeted.
Senior BJP leader and Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla told reporters that it is good that the photo of BR Ambedkar, the father of the Constitution, has been put up.
"You should talk to the assembly secretariat in this regard," he said when asked if Nehru's portrait will be put up again.
Welcoming the installation of Ambedkar's portrait, Congress MLA Phool Singh Baraiya said, "Babasaheb Ambedkar's photo should be installed, but removing Nehru's portrait is wrong".
डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर जी की तस्वीर लगाये जाना हर्ष का विषय है। मेरा माननीय प्रोटेम स्पीकर गोपाल भार्गव जी से अनुरोध है की डॉ. भीमराव अम्बेडकर जी की तस्वीर के साथ-साथ पंडित नेहरू जी की तस्वीर को भी उसी जगह साथ-साथ लगाया जाना सुनिश्चित करें।
— MP Congress (@INCMP) December 19, 2023
यह सर्वविदित है कि पंडित नेहरू जी एवं डॉ.… pic.twitter.com/qDP0CjY0Bh
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New office bearers elected for Kumta Jamaatul Muslimeen
Kumta: In the Annual General Body Meeting of Jamaatul Muslimeen held on Thursday night at Jumma Masjid Kumta, new office bearers were elected to lead the organisation. The meeting was held after Isha prayers and saw participation from members of the community.
Abdul Shukur Sab has been elected as the new President, while Nazeer Khan will take over as Vice President. Mohammed Mohsin Quazi has been re-elected as the General Secretary, marking his third consecutive term in the post. Yaseen Sab will serve as the Joint Secretary, and Mehtab Ali has been appointed as the Auditor.
The new Executive Committee includes Mohammed Aqueel Quazi, Ameen Sab, Amjad Shaikh, Iftiqar Shaikh, Saleem Quazi, Dr. Nazeem Khan, Mehboob Ali Mujawar and Mohammed Gouse Shaikh.
During the meeting, the report of the previous term was presented, highlighting the work and initiatives undertaken by the Jamaat. Members also discussed ongoing projects and appreciated the efforts of the outgoing team. Prayers were offered for the success and unity of the newly elected leadership as they take on the responsibilities of serving the local community.
