Dr Sunil Bhardwaj
World’s largest spiritual gathering in Maha Kumbh remind me of ‘Sagar Manthan’ an exhaustive exercise to churn the ocean of milk for obtaining the ‘Kumbh of Amrit’ to make people immortal. Similarly, Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar commonly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar was tasked with drafting of constitution for free India that represent dreams and aspirations of millions and set an ecosystem for a free, fair, responsible, just and inclusive society. Making of a constitution that harmonises the co-existence of social, cultural, religious and linguistic identities in a country that has remained under alien rule for hundreds of years, was a monumental task. However, Babasaheb Ambedkar’sstrenuous efforts for social order gave a voice to the oppressed and marginalized sections of the country in the form of Indian Constitution which holds to the principle of ‘salus populi suprema lex esto’.
Despite his pivotal role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee on Indian Constitution, DrAmbedkar faced tough resistance within the Congress on several ideas and provisions aimed at promoting social justice, such as affirmative action policies and safeguards for marginalized communities. Ironically, the congress has demined his legendary personality to a mere leader of marginalised, shrewdly ignoring his contribution in other important fields as well. Dr B.R Ambedkar provides an analysis of Indian monetary system in his Ph.D. thesis titled, ‘The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution’ which recommended the formation of a Central Bank in India in 1923. As a result, the Reserve Bank of India was setup in 1935 based on the recommendation of Young Hilton Commission which find its genesis in Babasaheb’s research work. Renowned historian Ramachandra Guha has acknowledged Ambedkar as one of the doyens of modern India, reflecting his exceptional intelligence and political leadership. But the history has witnessed how Congress betrayed the marginalized communities of India and not only denegrated Babasaheb’s legendary personality but many a time vehemently opposed his ideas of establishing an egalitarian society. In the pre-independence period itself, Ambedkar sensed that Congress party, led by Mahatma Gandhi supporting the interest of marginalized were mere tactics to garner their support in their “Fight for Freedom” from English rulers. Babasaheb believed that political independence would be meaningless without social equality. Gandhi, on the other hand, advocated reforms within the framework of Hinduism, using terms like “Harijan” to describe Dalits. Dr Ambedkar found this approach patronizing and inadequate, as it failed to address systemic caste inequalities.
Ambedkar’s relation with the INC leadership were marked by significant ideological and political disagreements, which often manifested in actions and decisions by the Congress that were perceived as disrespectful or dismissive of Dr Ambedkar’s contributions and viewpoints. His experience as a member of the first post-independence government under Congress leadership reflected his struggle for progressive reforms. As Law Minister in Jawaharlal Nehru’s first cabinet, he proposed the Hindu Code Bill, which aimed to reform Hindu personal laws to ensure gender equality in marriage, inheritance, and property rights. Despite its progressive vision, the bill faced stiff opposition from conservative factions within the Congress, forcing Dr Ambedkar to resign in 1951. Congress ensured the defeat of ‘Messiah of Marginalised’ Dr Ambedkar by Congress party candidate Narayan Sadoba Kajrolkar, his former assistant in the 1952 Bombay North by-elections as well as by congress nominee, BhauraoBorkarin 1954 Bhandara by-elections. Ironically, Congress not only denied Dr Ambedkar his rightful respect but also ensured his defeat by taking help from the Left. Whereas, the erstwhile Jan Sangh (now BJP) had extended its full support to Babasaheb in these elections which was a transparent display of Congress’s ingenious anti-Babasaheb ideology.
Post independence Congress keep befooling Dalits, saying that with the focus on holistic socio-economic development agenda the caste identities shall wither away. In 1950, the Kaka Kalelkar commission has recommended reservation for around 2,399 communities under Backward Classes in the country and in 1980, the Mandal Commission recommended 27 per cent reservation for backward classes in Government jobs and education institutions. But these reports had no substantial impact on congress government depriving OBCs of their rights for almost four decades.How can people of India forget that under Indira Gandhi regime, the Mandal Commission’s report was shelved in cold storage making mockery of its recommendations for oppressed and marginalised in the country. In all election appeals are made by congress leaders to caste identities to win votes. The political visibility of Dr Babasaheb has increased but in reality, atrocities on marginalised communities in India has increase during congress regime. The Delhi Gangrape in 2012 send shivers down one’s spine and can be an eyeopener for the pseudo well-wishers of marginalised in the country.
Quite recently, congress’s effort to twist the comments of Home Minister in Rajya Sabha on Babasaheb Ambedkar is a mere political strategy to wow scheduled caste and schedule tribe voters to gain lost political leverage. The Amit Shah’s remarks were clearly aligned with the BJP’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ which affirms the socio-economic and political development of marginalised whereas Congress has been uttering Babasaheb’s name only for political gains and had always believed in mere ‘tokenism’. Despite his significant contribution to India’s constitution and social reforms Congress denied Bharat Ratna to Babasaheb Ambedkar until 1990, more than three decades after his death. However, to honour Ambedkar’s contribution to Indian society and to embrace his full vision of egalitarian society BJP led Government has not only developed Panchteerth, Chitya Bhoomi, Ambedkar International Centre but has also initiated multiple initiative for the welfare of poor and marginalised in the country. Focused initiatives like JAM Trinity, PMAY, PM KISAN NIDHI, PMJAY and PMGSY etc has multifaceted effects on the lives of people helping in poverty reduction and life enrichment. Government’s top priority to boost infrastructure is quite visible from recently completed crucial Jammu Srinagar railway line which is a testament of its vision of ‘New Jammu and Kashmir’ to achieve its goal of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
Dr. Ambedkar’s view on Article 370 were very clear and as a constitutional expert he said, special status is complex and multifaceted. According to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Babasaheb declined the draft of Article 370, which confirms special status to Jammu and Kashmir. It was under huge pressure from Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and associates the article 370 was inserted as a temporary provision in the Constitution of India which lasted for around seventy long years under Congress Government worsening Kashmir problem and depriving its people of much deserved socio-economic development. The BJP-led Central Government is empowering marginalized communities, reservation benefits have been extended to Economically Weaker Sections, OBCS, Valmikis, Paharis, Paddaris, Kolis & Gadda Brahmins, etc. in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The Bhartiya Janata Party’s (BJP) vision for Jammu and Kashmir is centred around development, democracy, and cultural integration. The Government aims to bring about a new era of peace, prosperity and inclusiveness in the region, which has been plagued by terrorism and separatism for decades.
The contrasting approaches of the Congress and the BJP towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy highlight a complex interplay of political strategies and ideological commitments. While the Congress has faced criticism for its historical neglect and underappreciation of Ambedkar’s contributions, the BJP has made concerted efforts to honourhis legacy. However, both parties have been accused of leveraging Ambedkar’s image for political gain without fully embracing his core principles of social justice and equality. This ongoing political tug-of-war underscores the need for a more genuine commitment to Ambedkar’s core vision, transcending symbolic gestures to effect meaningful societal change. For us Ambedkar’s principles serve as a guiding light for ‘Viksit Bharat’ and Babasaheb shall always remain in our eternal memories as a passionate beacon of hope for an egalitarian India.
(The author is a Member of Legislative Assembly of JKUT Ramnagar Constituency)
The post The Ambedkar Paradox: Congress’ Neglect vs BJP’s Embrace appeared first on Daily Excelsior.