The Hindu : Front Page : I did not remove Ambedkar's portrait, says Yediyurappa

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 07, 2006

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Front Page

I did not remove Ambedkar's portrait, says Yediyurappa

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa on Monday expressed anguish over the controversy created over the alleged removal of a portrait of B.R. Ambedkar from his office in the Vidhana Soudha recently.

Mr. Yediyurappa told presspersons that he has great respect for Dr. Ambedkar, champion of Dalits and poor people. He wanted the portrait to be displayed in all offices of the State Government. The portrait was taken away by the previous occupant of the office and he had ordered its restoration immediately after coming to know of it, Mr. Yediyurappa said.

Mr. Yediyurappa has occupied the chamber (Room No. 317 in the Vidhana Soudha) that was earlier used by Mallikarjun Kharge, who held the portfolios of Water Resources and Transport in the Dharam Singh Government.

Mr. Yediyurappa said he would petition to the Press Council of India against a Kannada newspaper, which had published a false report and refused to carry his clarification. A few Dalit organisations were threatening to go on an agitation, which was unwarranted because he has already clarified his position. "I am ready to hold talks with anybody on the controversy," Mr. Yediyurappa said.

Dalit organisations have protested in several cities alleging that the portrait of Dr. Amedkar had been removed from Mr. Yediyurappa's office deliberately.

Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has appealed to Dalit organisations to come for talks and resolve the issue amicably.

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