Atishi Calls Out BJP for Removing Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh Photos; BJP Responds

The latest conflict between Delhi’s new ruling BJP government and the recently defeated Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) revolves around the placement—or alleged removal—of photos of the nation’s freedom fighters in government offices. Former Delhi CM and AAP MLA Atishi has accused Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of removing the photos of BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh from every Delhi government office.

SHARE MAX

Babsaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh's photos have been removed (from the CM office). Does BJP think that PM Modi is above Babsaheb?"

– Delhi Assembly LoP @AtishiAAP pic.twitter.com/1saCqwc0qF

— Pardeep Lohan (Ex- Army) (@PardeepLohanAAP) February 24, 2025

Allegations of Anti-Dalit and Anti-Sikh Mentality

Atishi stated, “The anti-Dalit mentality of the BJP is well-known. Today, proof of its anti-Dalit mentality has been presented. Arvind Kejriwal put up photos of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and Shaheed Bhagat Singh in every office of the Delhi government.” She further claimed, “Since the BJP came to power, it removed both photos from the chief minister’s office. This shows the BJP is an anti-Dalit, anti-Sikh party.”

BJP's removal of Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar n Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s photos from Delhi CM’s office is nt just an insult to these great icons bt also a disgrace to crores of their followers across d nation.This shameful act exposes BJP’s anti-Ambedkarite n anti-revolutionary mindset pic.twitter.com/EKkEEt3NGe

— Anil Kumar Mallick (@anilkumarmalli6) February 24, 2025

Contradictory Evidence

However, a video of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s office shows that both photos of BR Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh are still present, though hung on two opposite walls. The middle wall, which previously displayed the two photos during Atishi’s tenure, now features photos of President Droupadi Murmu, Mahatma Gandhi, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

BJP’s Response

BJP spokesperson RP Singh dismissed the allegations, stating that the AAP is making an issue out of nothing, unable to accept their recent electoral defeat. He clarified that the placement of photos is determined by protocol and the administration, not the chief minister. “There is a protocol and it is decided by the administration, not by the chief minister. As per protocol, the photos will be there, whether it is of Baba Saheb, Bhagat Singh, or Mahatma Gandhi. At times there are pictures of the Prime Minister and Mahatma Gandhi also,” Singh explained.

Insulting & shocking but true! BJP's Delhi CM Rekha Gupta removes the photos of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh & Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar from the Chief Minister office & replaces them with Prime Minister Modi's photo. This is a big insult to our freedom fighters & shameful… pic.twitter.com/GA5NGKzzgz

— AAP TELANGANA (@AAPTELANGANA) February 24, 2025

Political Reactions

Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s national convenor, also weighed in, alleging that the new BJP government of Delhi removed Ambedkar’s photo and replaced it with Prime Minister Modi’s photo. He urged the BJP to retain Ambedkar’s image, stating, “This is not right. This has hurt millions of followers of Baba Saheb.”

The controversy continues to unfold as both parties stand firm on their positions, with the BJP maintaining that the photos of Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh remain in place, while the AAP insists on their removal.