CHENNAI: Senior BJP leader and former governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Sunday responded to Chief Minister MK Stalin’s visit to the London residence where BR Ambedkar had stayed during his student days, saying that it was the BJP regime at the Centre which saved the house from auction proceedings.

In a social media post quoting Stalin’s remarks, Tamilisai Soundararajan said the BJP government at the Centre had purchased the historic house when it came up for auction, to preserve it as a global memorial. “The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister mentioned his visit to the house where Ambedkar stayed in London. Today, the BJP has turned it into an archive for visitors. When the house came up for auction, the BJP sifted through the matter and bought it for about Rs 30 crore. This reflects the party’s commitment to preserving Ambedkar’s legacy worldwide,” she said.

Referring to the photos displayed at the house, she added, “You said you were glad to see Ambedkar’s photo with Periyar. If it were you, you would have removed pictures of leaders with differing views. It is the BJP-led NDA government that has ensured Ambedkar’s fame is upheld.”

Tamilisai added that the initiative demonstrated the BJP’s efforts to honour Ambedkar’s contribution to society.