The BJP SC Morcha on Sunday (May 17, 2026) organised a cultural rally and ‘Dappula Bharat Pradarshana’ in Vijayawada as part of the 135th birth anniversary celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The event, themed ‘Dalitula Atma Gaurava Gunde Chappudu’ (Heartbeat of Dalit Self-Respect), featured Dalit culture, traditional art forms, and Ambedkarite ideals.

The procession began at the Municipal Stadium and moved along Bandar Road and M.G. Road amid drum performances, fireworks, and cultural displays by thousands of ‘dappu’ artists. A large statue of Ambedkar mounted on a trolley was the main attraction.

Andhra Pradesh Medical and Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav, BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav, and BJP SC Morcha State president Panthala Suresh led the rally and later offered floral tributes to the Ambedkar statue. BJP SC Morcha leaders, party workers, cultural artists, and supporters from across the State took part in the event.

Organisers said the programme was aimed at building self-confidence and cultural awareness among Dalit youth, and at spreading the ideals of equality, self-respect, and constitutional values that Ambedkar upheld.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Suresh said Ambedkar’s ideals should reach every section of society, and that the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working to fulfil Ambedkar’s vision. He demanded that 17,000 village-level ‘chatimpu’ posts be filled, along with appointments for ‘dappu’ artists in temples and Lalita Kala institutions. He also urged the government to provide free bus travel for ‘dappu’ artists.

Drum beats, folk performances, and slogans praising Ambedkar’s contributions to social justice and the Indian Constitution marked the rally.