Almost 20 years after the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government, led by Mayawati, established a large Ambedkar memorial in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, a new memorial dedicated to B. R. Ambedkar is approaching completion. The current administration under Yogi Adityanath’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to finish the project by July, well in advance of the upcoming state Assembly elections scheduled for early 2027.
Located in Aishbagh on a 5,493.52 square meter plot across from the Eidgah, the Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial and Cultural Centre is designed not just as a memorial but as a versatile cultural and institutional facility.
The foundation stone for the centre was laid in 2022 by former President Ram Nath Kovind prior to the Assembly elections. Initially, the project was budgeted at Rs 45.04 crore for the memorial alone; however, the scope has expanded significantly. Current estimates indicate that the entire project, which includes various phases and additional components like an auditorium and external enhancements, has surpassed Rs 100 crore, according to sources.
In contrast to the existing memorial, which primarily serves as a monumental site, the new facility is being developed as an “activity-based campus” aimed at fostering public engagement and academic discourse surrounding Ambedkar’s philosophies.
The heart of the campus will feature a 25-foot statue of Ambedkar, with the surrounding site designed accordingly. The project encompasses a three-story administrative building, a 500-seat auditorium, a common basement, and essential infrastructure such as a substation and internal service networks. Construction of boundary walls, entry gates, internal roads, and drainage systems is already underway, while work on landscaping, facade finishing, and auditorium interiors is progressing rapidly.
Officials emphasized that the project seeks to transcend mere symbolic representation. “This is not just a memorial; it will be a cultural and institutional hub where individuals can explore Ambedkar’s ideas,” stated an official involved in the initiative.
The plans also incorporate a library, museum, picture gallery, and research centre, alongside accommodations for researchers. The government is exploring ways to integrate the research aspect with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Lucknow.
Construction is being executed in multiple phases, with Construction and Design Services (C&DS) responsible for the core structure, while private firms manage design and specialized elements. Structural work is largely complete, and the project has progressed to its final stages of finishing and external development.
Visible advancements, including finished structural buildings, boundary walls, and the auditorium shell, indicate that the project is on pace for completion by mid-2026, with an anticipated opening in July.
The political implications of the project are significant, particularly with the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections in mind. This new memorial is expected to enhance the BJP’s engagement with Dalit communities, framing the government as a steward of Ambedkar’s legacy while also transforming it into a modern, knowledge-oriented space.
The BJP’s renewed emphasis on connecting with Dalit voters comes after a decline in its 2024 Lok Sabha performance in Uttar Pradesh, where its representation fell to 36 seats compared to its previous victory in 2019 when it secured 62 of the state’s 80 seats. This drop has been attributed to Dalit communities aligning themselves with the Opposition, led by the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress.
In response, the BJP is adjusting its social strategy, focusing more on both symbolic and institutional initiatives linked to Ambedkar.
Jaiveer Singh, the Uttar Pradesh Culture and Tourism Minister, stated, “The project is being developed in three phases. Phase one is complete, and we aim to finish the entire project by July 15.” He highlighted the differences between this new memorial and the existing one, noting the inclusion of a library, theatre, auditorium, and research facilities aimed at supporting scholars.
Singh further mentioned that the centre would utilize modern technology, including audio-visual and virtual reality presentations, to promote Ambedkar’s ideas. There are also plans to connect the academic elements of the centre with Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University to strengthen research and educational activities.
Additionally, the central location of the site is expected to enhance accessibility for a large number of visitors.
The Ambedkar Samajik Parivartan Sthal, commonly referred to as Ambedkar Park, spans an impressive 123 acres in Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar. Initially conceived in 1995, the project underwent expansion in 2003 and was ultimately inaugurated in 2008 during the BSP’s administration. Although the concept originated in the mid-1990s, the project took shape when the BSP achieved a decisive majority between 2007 and 2012.
This complex is not solely focused on Ambedkar; it also features a 6.5-acre memorial that includes his statues and murals. A museum dedicated to social change within the grounds showcases various social reformers, including Jyotiba Phule, Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj, and the BSP founder Kanshi Ram.
One of the park’s most distinguishing features is its “elephant gallery,” which consists of 62 large stone elephant statues symmetrically arranged on either side. This aspect of the project once drew criticism from opposition parties, particularly when the BSP government chose to demolish a nearby stadium to incorporate its land into the development.
Over the years, however, the site has transformed into a significant cultural and social landmark.
