PM Modi pays tribute to Ambedkar, flags Article 370 move and UCC at Dehradun event
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tribute to Dr B.R. Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, linking key policy decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand to the spirit of the Constitution.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, Modi said the government’s decisions over the past decade have aimed at strengthening constitutional values and ensuring social justice.
“Today is the birth anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar. I pay my heartfelt tributes to him. The decisions taken in the last ten years have worked towards restoring the dignity of the Constitution. After the abrogation of Article 370, the Constitution of India is now fully applicable across the country,” he said.
Referring to the Uniform Civil Code, the Prime Minister noted that the Constitution envisions its implementation and said Uttarakhand has “shown the way to the nation” by taking the lead.
He also highlighted Ambedkar’s commitment to social justice, stating that the government is working towards uplifting deprived and marginalised sections, while also focusing on infrastructure and industrial development—areas Ambedkar had advocated.
Modi apologised to the audience for arriving late, attributing the delay to a large turnout during a 12-kilometre-long roadshow.
“I apologise for being late. I left on time, but the enthusiasm of people along the 12-km stretch made it difficult to move quickly. The crowd, even in this heat, reflects your blessings,” he said.
The Prime Minister also extended greetings on festivals including Baisakhi, Puthandu and Bohag Bihu, and mentioned that the Char Dham Yatra will begin soon. He said he had offered prayers at the Maa Daat Kali Temple and credited divine blessings for the completion of the corridor.
Calling the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor a major step for the state, Modi said the project will boost connectivity and accelerate Uttarakhand’s development.
The 213-km-long, six-lane access-controlled corridor, built at a cost of over ₹12,000 crore, will reduce travel time between Delhi and Dehradun from more than six hours to about two-and-a-half hours.
(ANI inputs)
