A political row has erupted over the legacy of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, with the BJP and Congress accusing each other of disrespecting his contributions. The controversy began when Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had disrespected Ambedkar. Shah responded strongly, accusing Congress of twisting facts and asserting, “I come from a party which can never disrespect Ambedkar.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi also joined the fray, countering Congress’s claims and warning against “fake narratives.”
The BJP has pointed to historical evidence to claim that the Congress has long been at odds with Ambedkar. They cite Jawaharlal Nehru’s correspondence and decisions to argue that Congress disrespected Ambedkar during his lifetime and after his death. In the book Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru (Second Series, Volume 16, Part 2), a letter reveals Nehru’s reaction to Ambedkar’s resignation from the Cabinet. Nehru wrote to BC Roy, “Ambedkar’s departure doesn’t weaken the Cabinet.” BJP leaders argue this statement underscores Nehru’s lack of respect for Ambedkar’s contributions.
Ambedkar himself, according to the same book, had expressed dissatisfaction with Nehru’s government, citing neglect of Scheduled Castes and Tribes and exclusion from key committees on foreign affairs and defense. This frustration led to Ambedkar’s resignation, which Nehru did not attempt to stop.
The BJP further highlights Nehru’s reluctance to establish a government memorial for Ambedkar after his death. A letter from Nehru, dated June 18, 1959, referenced in the book Letters to Chief Ministers, shows his discomfort with demands for such a memorial. BJP sources contrast this with their efforts, including the development of Ambedkar-related sites into tourist destinations under the “Panch Teerth” initiative. These include memorials in Madhya Pradesh, London, Nagpur, Delhi, and Mumbai.
The BJP also pointed out that the Congress had actively campaigned against Ambedkar in elections. In 1952 and 1954, Congress fielded candidates to defeat Ambedkar in Bombay North Central and Maharashtra’s Bhandara by-election, respectively. BJP leaders accuse Congress of disrespecting Ambedkar’s political aspirations, with Nehru personally campaigning against him.
The BJP also emphasized their contributions, such as declaring November 26 as Constitution Day and inaugurating the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar National Memorial in Delhi in 2018, which they claim was delayed by the Congress-led UPA government for a decade.
As the battle for Ambedkar’s legacy intensifies, both parties seek to claim his contributions to Indian democracy while accusing each other of failing to honor him.
