The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) staged a vocal "I Love Ambedkar" march through Delhi's streets on Wednesday, protesting what it described as escalating atrocities against Dalits and marginalised communities, alongside a recent assault on Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai. The event, organised by the youth wing of the Congress party, aimed to reaffirm commitment to Dr B. R. Ambedkar's Constitution, which the group accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of undermining through a "hateful mindset".
The march, starting at Maujpur Chowk in Babarpur and ending at Ita Chowk, drew participation from IYC leaders and workers, symbolising a broader call for social justice and equality in a nation founded on Ambedkar's vision of inclusive governance.
IYC President Uday Bhanu Chib led the chants, declaring, "India will be governed by Baba Saheb Ambedkar's Constitution, not by the hateful thinking of the BJP-RSS. We will continue to protect the Constitution at all costs." He lambasted the BJP's tenure since 2014 for subjecting the Constitution and democratic institutions to "constant attacks", citing a surge in violence against vulnerable groups.
Chib highlighted the judiciary's vulnerability, pointing to the Monday incident where a 71-year-old lawyer allegedly hurled a shoe at CJI Gavai during court proceedings in the Supreme Court. The lawyer, identified as Nand Kishore Garg, was immediately suspended by the Bar Council of India, marking a rare breach of courtroom sanctity that has sparked national outrage over threats to judicial independence.
The protest also mourned the brutal killing of Hariom Valmiki, a 25-year-old Dalit man from Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, who died last week after a mob assault. Police reports indicate Valmiki, reportedly suffering from mental health issues, was en route to his in-laws' home in Dandepur Jamunapur when villagers accused him of scouting homes with a drone for theft—a claim later debunked. Beaten with belts and sticks, he succumbed to injuries at a local hospital.
The incident, registered under sections for murder and promoting enmity, has intensified scrutiny on caste-based violence in the state, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's administration faces criticism for inadequate protection of Scheduled Castes. Valmiki's death echoes a pattern of 50,900 reported crimes against Dalits in 2022 alone, per National Crime Records Bureau data, underscoring systemic failures in addressing discrimination.
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Chib extended solidarity to CJI Gavai and Valmiki's grieving family, urging young Indians to amplify voices against injustice. "Incidents of atrocities against Dalits, tribals, the poor, the deprived, and minorities are increasing day by day. Everything from the judiciary to the Constitution is in danger," he warned. Joined by IYC National General Secretary Sravan Rao, Delhi in-charge Khushboo Sharma, National Secretary Hari Krishna, and State President Akshay Lakra, the march reaffirmed the group's pledge to combat alleged RSS-BJP ideologies.
As political tensions simmer ahead of state elections, the event highlights the Congress's strategy to mobilise youth on constitutional values, potentially galvanising opposition to the NDA's narrative of development over social equity.
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