Kharge Writes To LS Speaker, RS Chairman Demanding Restoration Of Gandhi & Ambedkar's Statues In Parliament Complex

Congress President Kharge demanded the restoration of relocated statues of national leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar, in the Parliament complex, criticising the arbitrary removal of the statues

File Photo of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

Source : PTI

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has called for the immediate restoration of statues of Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar, and other national leaders to their original positions in the Parliament complex. In letters addressed to Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Kharge criticised the arbitrary relocation of these statues, stating it undermines the fundamental spirit of democracy.

"The removal of these statues arbitrarily, without any consultation, violates the basic spirit of our democracy," Kharge emphasised in his letter. He further noted that the statues were originally placed at prominent locations following extensive deliberation and consideration, highlighting their immense value and significance.

Kharge's letters, sent separately to the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman, mentioned the existence of a dedicated committee for the installation of portraits and statues of national leaders and parliamentarians within the Parliament House Complex. However, Kharge pointed out that this panel, the Committee on the Installation of Portraits and Statues of National Leaders and Parliamentarians in the Parliament House Complex, has not been reconstituted since 2019.

Sharing the text of my letters to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and Speaker of the Lok Sabha on the relocation of statues of major leaders in the Parliament House complex.

I am writing this letter in the context of relocation of statues of major leaders in the Parliament House… pic.twitter.com/yf26TUGoLs

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 19, 2024

"Hence, such decisions made without any proper discussion and deliberation with relevant stakeholders are against the rules and traditions of our Parliament," Kharge stated.

He demanded that the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and other national leaders, who greatly contributed to the unity and integrity of the nation, be restored to their original locations with due respect and regard.

The Congress party has expressed strong objections to the shifting of the statues. Opposition parties have frequently organised protest marches and agitations within the Parliament complex, especially in front of the statues of Gandhi and Ambedkar, in honour of their significance in India's democratic and social justice movements.