Villagers in Jajouli and nearby Kaushambi district,Uttar Pradesh, erupted in anger after a statue of Dr. B. R . Ambedkar was vandalized Friday,June 19, 2026 . The largely Dalit community staged sit-in,demanding accountability and quick action against those behind act.
Police responded by reinstalling the statue and assuring protesters that steps would be taken to prevent more incidents. Heavy police presence remains as authorities dig into the case. Circle Officer Janeshwar Prasad Pandey said case is filed against unknown individuals,with efforts ongoing to catch the culprits. “Senior police officials have inspected the site, and we are working to ensure the early arrest of the culprits,” he stated .
Opposition leaders slammed the vandalism,calling it part of larger agenda by feudal forces allegedly backed by ruling BJP. Ajay Kumar Lallu from Congress argued such acts aim to intimidate marginalized communities. “This act of vandalism is intended to convey a message to marginalized communities that the symbols and dignity of Dalits and other marginalized groups will be suppressed,” he remarked. Lallu pointed out attacks on Ambedkar statues aren't isolated in BJP-run state .
Afzal Ansari,Lok Sabha MP from Ghazipur with Samajwadi Party, echoed this,blaming rise of anti-social behavior on government inaction. He said similar incidents are alarmingly frequent,aimed at demoralizing Dalits . “Such incidents are occurring regularly in the State and are meant to demoralize the Dalit and other marginalized communities,” Ansari said. He noted multiple attacks on Ambedkar's statue in Uttar Pradesh,including three in Ghazipur alone .
Ansari further criticized BJP for creating environment where feudal elements feel empowered to attack Dalit symbols. “Anti-social feudal elements have been emboldened under the BJP government and are flag bearers of the ruling party’s hatred agenda,” he stated. Vandalism of statue,an icon for Dalits,stokes fears of rising hostility against marginalized groups in region...
