125-foot statue of Dr Ambedkar to be unveiled in Vijayawada in 2023, says Jagan

VIJAYAWADA: A 125-foot statue of Dr BR Ambedkar will be unveiled in Vijayawada, in April 2023, said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy on Saturday.

The Chief Minister, along with Governor Biswabhushan Harichandan, participated in the National Constitution Day celebrations held here at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the Indian Constitution was drafted by Dr. BR Ambedkar after thoroughly studying the constitutions of 80 countries. "The Constitution of India is very great and it is the rule book that teaches discipline to all. Our country is mixed with many castes and religions and for 72 years, this constitution has rewritten the history of social groups," he said.

The Chief Minister said that the Constitution stood for the downtrodden. "The government is moving ahead with several welfare schemes to ensure that all sections are benefited in accordance with the Constitution,"he said.

"Andhra Pradesh was the first state in the country which brought revolutionary changes in the society through 'Grama Swarajyam' and by establishing village/ ward secretariats," said the Chief Minister. Around 50 percent of the nominated posts were designated to the BCs, SCs, STs and minorities, he added.

Speaking about the various welfare schemes launched by the government, the Chief Minister said that the government was also giving away house titles to women to eliminate discrimination. "Around 70 percent of the council of ministers are BCs, SCs, STs and minorities. A BC leader is appointed as a speaker, SC as chairman of the council and a minority person as deputy chairperson of the council, he added.