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Much has been discussed, talked and spread about Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar and our Constitution lately. However, when it comes to genuinely embodying his vision and ideals, the BJP is definitely leading the way. As we all fondly recognize, Baba Saheb, the architect of our Constitution, is not just a towering historical figure but also a guiding light for fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens. His steadfast resolve for social justice & equality and Dalit empowerment laid the foundation of India’s democratic identity. However, ever since independence how his legacy has been treated, tells a lot about the contrasting political approaches. On one hand, the BJP is relentlessly taking steps to honor and promote Baba Saheb’s ideas and vision for an inclusive India; on the other hand, the Congress’s track is full of a mix of complete neglect, political opportunism and using of Baba Saheb’s name for just political gimmick.
The Congress party’s relationship with Baba Saheb’s legacy is perforated with indifference and political opportunism. Congress actively worked to ensure Dr. Ambedkar lost elections, not just once, but twice. In 1952 & again in 1954, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru personally campaigned & used all resources at his disposal, against him, even joining hands with the Communists to keep him out of the Parliament. This was not just a political rivalry, but it was a deeply calculated move to sideline a towering intellect and ensure he remained on the periphery.
Even as Pt. Nehru’s cabinet member, Dr. Ambedkar was routinely excluded from various key government committees, particularly those dealing with defense and foreign affairs, areas where his keen intellect could have contributed immensely. His
On one hand, the BJP is relentlessly taking steps to honor and promote Baba Saheb’s ideas and vision for an inclusive India; on the other hand, the Congress’s track is full of a mix of complete neglect, political opportunism and using of Baba Saheb’s name for just political gimmick
vision was ignored, his expertise dismissed, and his presence disregarded. Congress did not just fail to respect him in life, but they continued to disregard his perspectives and legacy long after his death.
One of the most striking examples of Congress’s disregard for Ambedkar’s vision was their utter failure to help Dalit refugees after the partition of India, post-independence. Despite Ambedkar’s repeated pleas, the Congress government turned a blind eye towards their suffering. Then there was the Hindu Code Bill, which Ambedkar struggled for to ensure gender equality and improve women’s rights. But Congress couldn’t get it through, and this abject failure led to Ambedkar resigning from Nehru’s cabinet. It was a breaking point, uncovering Congress’s lack of commitment to the real change on the ground.
Baba Saheb’s contributions to modern India were only truly recognized long after his death. Despite his herculean contribution to India, he was denied the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, during his lifetime, it was only in 1990, under a non-Congress BJP supported government, that he was honored. Even when Congress came in power again, his legacy continued to be undermined. Dr. Ambedkar himself famously said about the Congress party, ‘I have learned to suffer and to endure injustice. But the Congress has been unwilling to accept any part of my vision. It is not my party.’
The Congress party’s actions have often confronted with Ambedkar’s core principles. During the 1975 Emergency, they curbed the basic fundamental rights and debilitated the judiciary through the 42nd Amendment, actions that demolished Ambedkar’s vision of a strong & vibrant democracy and freedom of expression.
Congress also blatantly misused Article 356 to dismiss state governments more than 85 times, undermining the federal structure Ambedkar gave his life for.
Congress’s was against Article 370 abrogation, which further shows their disconnect from Ambedkar’s core idea of unity. While Ambedkar opposed such special provisions, Congress not only implemented Article 370 but resisted its removal ever since. On the social justice front, Congress acted when it suited to them. They deliberately delayed implementing the Mandal Commission’s recommendations and were literally half-hearted in pushing it forward.
The BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has made it a mission to celebrate Baba Saheb and keep his incredible legacy alive for our future generations to know and learn from. Let’s just start with the ‘Panchteerth’, five notable venues connected to his life story, the first one Mhow in Uttar Pradesh, where he was born; the second one, London, where he got his education; the third one, Nagpur in Maharashtra, where he accepted the Buddhism; the fourth one, Delhi, where he passed away; and lastly Mumbai in Maharashtra, where he was cremated. By transforming these iconic sites into memorials, the BJP is not just paying tribute to Baba Saheb; we are also inspiring our young minds to draw from his extraordinary journey. Adding to it, is the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in our national capital, which is not just another building, it is a vibrant space for discussions and research on socio-economic change, a true honor of Baba Saheb’s life’s work.
Prime Minister Modi has played a crucial and decisive role in bringing Baba Saheb’s contributions into the national attention. For decades, Congress party kept ignoring his legacy, but things started to change in 1990 when Baba Saheb was posthumously awarded the much deserved Bharat Ratna under a central government supported by the BJP. Nearly at the same time, his portrait had finally got a place in our Parliament, long-overdue tributes to a monumental figure. But as a matter of fact,
Prime Minister Modi has played a crucial and decisive role in bringing Baba Saheb’s contributions into the national attention
the BJP did not just stop at symbolic gestures only, but they digitized Baba Saheb’s public speeches and key writings, making his revolutionary ideas easily accessible to all. Even the BHIM app, a nod to his vision of financial inclusion, embodies his dream of empowering the un-empowered.
On the legislative front, the BJP has shown a strong allegiance to upholding Baba Saheb’s principles, especially when it comes to respecting our Constitution. Unlike Congress, which frequently resorted to politically motivated amendments, the BJP’s reforms focus on the real change on the ground. Article 370 abrogation is a prime example to it; ensuring Jammu and Kashmir’s full integration with India, a step that resonates with Baba Saheb’s vision for national unity, is fulfilled under PM Modi led strong leadership only.
The BJP has always been a political front that believes in walking the talk when it comes to “Sabka Saath – Sabka Vikas”, the true meaning of social justice. With the PM Modi-led NDA government, pivotal initiatives have been taken to empower our socially marginalized & deprived communities. Strengthening the Prevention of Atrocities Act, granting constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes, and introducing reservations in NEET and Navodaya Vidyalayas are just a few examples of their commitment. One particularly thoughtful initiative that needs attention was declaring November 26 as our Constitution Day, a move no previous government had thought of. For us, it is not just a token gesture but a potent reminder of Baba Saheb’s vision and the ideals embedded in our Constitution, brought to life in both spirit as well as in action.
Social justice, Equality and Empowerment are not just some ideals to admire, they are imperatives to achieve. It’s time we demand accountability from our leaders and judge their legacy by the tangible change they bring to the lives of marginalized communities. Baba Saheb’s Constitution was not just a document, but it is a roadmap for a fair and just India. To honor him is to walk that path with purpose and sheer will—something the BJP, under PM Modi’s visionary leadership, has taken significant strides toward by ensuring Ambedkar’s ideals resonate in governance and public policy!
(The writer is BJP National Spokesperson)