By NewsGram Staff Writer

New Delhi: To memorialize the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the government is likely to come out with a coin of Rs. 125.

Born on April 14, 1891, Ambedkar's 125th anniversary has stirred up a political debate between the Congress and the BJP, with both parties trying to claim his legacy. While the opposition announced a year-long celebration, the government followed it up with its own schedule.

The celebratory coin will carry a picture of Ambedkar with 125th birth anniversary celebration etched on it and Rs 125 embossed on it prominently, according to sources. The government will also release a memorial stamp on Ambedkar. Sources say that discussions are going on between the finance ministry and the social justice ministry, headed by Thaawar Chand Gehlot, on the shape and value of the coin.

Also, the government might start demolishing the building at 26, Alipur Road in Delhi around October to pave the ground for the construction of an 'Ambedkar memorial.' The Constitution maker lived in the Alipur Road bungalow during his stay in the capital and also breathed his last there.

The unusual attention towards Ambedkar is a result of his second coming as a leader, with the parties trying to bring in the significant amount of Scheduled Caste votes by commemorating him. The Modi government planned out a list of details of events to celebrate the late leader, and Congress president Sonia Gandhi led a party panel to plan the year-long Ambedkar jayanti celebrations.

The competition between the BJP and the Congress became more obvious as Rahul Gandhi led the "national launch" of the Congress programme by visiting the Ambedkar statue in his birthplace Mhow and addressing a public rally later in the town.