ambedkar’s Kin Condemns Court Notice to Ajmer Dargah, Calls It an Insult to the ​Constitution

Rajratna Ambedkar, the great-grandnephew ‍of‌ Dr. B.R. ⁤Ambedkar,has ‌strongly criticized‍ lower courts for issuing notices ‌in alleged violation ‍of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991. Speaking at a press conference⁣ organized by the Social Democratic Party⁤ of India (SDPI) in Ajmer, Ambedkar called the ‍recent court actions an “insult to the Constitution.”

“If this trend continues, we will file petitions to ‘uncover’ buddhist heritage ‍sites beneath temples,” said Ambedkar, who‍ also serves‍ as the president of⁤ the Buddhist society of India. His remarks came in response to a recent ⁤lower court decision in Ajmer,‌ which issued notices to⁣ the Ajmer Dargah ⁣committee, the ⁤Minority Affairs Ministry, and the Archaeological Survey of india ‌(ASI) regarding a petition claiming the ⁢dargah⁤ was built over⁣ a ⁢Shiva temple. The case is set to be‌ heard on December 20.

“We seek no conflict, but⁣ such biased petitions cannot go unchallenged,” Ambedkar stated. “Despite‌ the Places ‌of Worship Act 1991, a lower court accepting a plea seeking to investigate places of‌ worship and ⁤issuing notices on‍ it is an⁢ insult to the Constitution. An attempt is being made to remove the Constitution through the judiciary.”

Ambedkar further warned ‌that if such investigations are allowed, his organization would file petitions to uncover​ Buddhist heritage sites beneath temples. He cited archaeological evidence suggesting that Buddhist remains lie 12 feet beneath the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. “If ​the government of India⁢ does not clarify⁢ its stance, we will file ​a petition seeking an inquiry.We have evidence, be ⁢it the ‍Somnath​ Temple or the ​Balaji Temple in Tirupati,” he said.

Yasmin Farooqui, the national general secretary of ‌the SDPI, echoed Ambedkar’s ‍concerns during the press conference. She described the⁢ petition in the​ Ajmer court as a direct challenge to the secular principles ⁢enshrined⁣ in the Constitution. “This petition is ⁣a litmus ‍test ⁢for Dr. Ambedkar’s Constitution. As its chief guardian,​ Prime ‌Minister Narendra Modi must ensure⁢ justice. Millions of​ Khwaja Sahib’s followers are awaiting his response,” she said.

Farooqui also called on the prime ‌minister to condemn the actions of hindu Sena and‍ its ⁢petitioner, vishnu Gupta. “This is a moment to reaffirm justice and inclusivity, reflecting the values⁢ of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, who stood for peace and unity,” she emphasized.​ “This‍ is a testing ⁣time for the prime minister​ and his commitment to the Constitution’s secular principles,” she added.

Highlighting Prime Minister modi’s⁣ tradition of sending a ‘chadar’ to the Ajmer‌ Dargah during the annual Urs, Farooqui urged him to use this opportunity to uphold secular and ‍inclusive values. “The prime minister has a chance to send a ⁢strong message of unity and respect for all faiths,” she concluded.

A Call ⁤for Unity⁣ Amidst Controversy

The controversy surrounding the Ajmer Dargah has sparked a broader debate about the preservation of India’s secular fabric. Ambedkar and Farooqui’s calls for justice ⁣and inclusivity underscore the importance of safeguarding the Constitution ⁣and its principles in the face of ⁢such challenges.

As the‌ case moves ​forward, the ‍actions of‌ the government and the judiciary will be‍ closely watched by millions of Indians who ‌cherish ⁤the nation’s pluralistic ⁣heritage.

Interview: Rajratna Ambedkar‍ on the Ajmer Dargah Controversy and Its Impact on India’s Secular Fabric

In a recent press conference, Rajratna Ambedkar, the great-grandnephew ​of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar,strongly criticized lower courts for​ issuing notices to the Ajmer dargah,calling it an “insult to the Constitution.” This controversy, which involves allegations of the dargah being built over a⁢ Shiva temple, has sparked a broader debate about India’s ‌secular principles and the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) ⁤Act of 1991.In this⁤ exclusive interview, we sit down with Rajratna Ambedkar to discuss the implications of ‍this case and its potential impact on India’s pluralistic heritage.

The Court Notice and its Constitutional Implications

Senior Editor: Mr. Ambedkar, thank you for joining us today. The‌ recent⁤ court notice to the Ajmer Dargah⁤ has caused‍ quite a stir. Can you explain why you consider this action an “insult to the Constitution”?

Rajratna Ambedkar: Thank you for having​ me. The Places ‍of worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991 was enacted to⁣ preserve‌ the religious character of places of worship as it existed on August 15, ​1947. By issuing notices to the Ajmer Dargah based on a petition claiming it‌ was built over a Shiva temple, the lower court⁣ is essentially violating this ‍law. This not only undermines the sanctity of the Act but also challenges the secular fabric of⁢ our Constitution. It’s an attempt⁢ to use the judiciary to ⁢erode the very principles Dr. Ambedkar fought for.

The Broader Threat to India’s​ Pluralistic Heritage

Senior Editor: You ⁢mentioned that if this trend continues, your organization might file petitions to⁣ uncover Buddhist heritage sites beneath temples. Can⁣ you elaborate on this?

Rajratna Ambedkar: Certainly. If the courts allow such investigations into places of worship,it opens a Pandora’s box. We have archaeological evidence suggesting that Buddhist remains lie beneath several temples, including the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. If the government does not clarify its stance, we will file petitions seeking inquiries into these sites. ‍This is not about creating conflict but about ensuring that ‍the Constitution’s principles are upheld. Biased​ petitions cannot be allowed to go unchallenged.

The Role of the Government and Prime‍ Minister Modi

Senior Editor: Yasmin Farooqui​ of the SDPI called on Prime Minister ⁤Modi to condemn the⁤ actions of Hindu ‍Sena and its⁢ petitioner. What role do⁤ you think the government should play in this​ matter?

Rajratna Ambedkar: ⁤ The government must take a clear and decisive stand. Prime Minister Modi, who has traditionally shown respect for all faiths by sending a ‘chadar’ to ⁤the Ajmer Dargah during the annual Urs, has an opportunity to send a‌ strong message of unity and respect for all religions. ​The⁤ Constitution is the cornerstone of our nation, and it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure that its⁣ secular‍ principles are protected. This is a⁣ litmus test⁢ for the Prime Minister and his ⁣commitment to inclusivity and justice.

A Call‌ for Unity and Secular Values

Senior Editor: the controversy surrounding the Ajmer⁤ Dargah has sparked a broader debate about India’s secular fabric. What message would you like to convey to the millions of Indians who cherish the nation’s pluralistic heritage?

Rajratna Ambedkar: I would like to remind everyone that our strength lies in our diversity.The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equality for all.‍ We must stand together to protect these values. This is ​not just about the Ajmer dargah; it’s about safeguarding the principles that bind us as a nation.‍ The actions of the government and ⁣the judiciary ⁢will be closely watched, and it’s our duty to ensure that⁤ the Constitution remains the guiding light of our democracy.

Senior Editor: Thank you, Mr. Ambedkar, for ‍your insightful comments. Your viewpoint is crucial as we navigate‍ these challenging times for India’s ‍secular fabric.

Rajratna Ambedkar: Thank you for the opportunity to speak⁣ on this vital issue. Together, we can ensure​ that the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar and the principles​ of our⁢ Constitution are preserved for future generations.