Eleven reasons why Congress should stop using Dr Ambedkar’s name as fashion statement

The Congress on Tuesday (December 17, 2024) alleged that Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the Constitution show that the BJP and the RSS leaders have a “lot of hatred” for B.R. Ambedkar and demanded an apology from him. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said those who believe in Manusmriti will definitely be at odds with Ambedkar.

The Congress party, which claims to be the followers of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in public discourse, have a very opposite history. A closer look reveals that its relationship with the architect of India’s Constitution has been marked by neglect, opposition, and tokenism. For Ambedkarites, the facts speak louder than Congress’s rhetoric.

Here are 11 instances that expose how Congress has consistently disrespected and neglected Dr. Ambedkar—whom they now claim to revere. These examples highlight Congress’s historical disregard for backward communities, even targeting one of the greatest champions of their rights.

Bharat Ratna Denied in His Lifetime

Dr. Ambedkar, a towering figure in India’s history, was not awarded the Bharat Ratna during his lifetime, despite his monumental contributions to the nation. It was only after a non-Congress government, supported by the BJP, came to power that he was posthumously conferred the honour. Ironically, even Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key architect of independent India, received the Bharat Ratna much later, exposing Congress’s selective recognition of leaders.

Delayed Recognition in Parliament

It wasn’t until 1990—decades after Dr Ambedkar’s death—that his portrait was installed in the Central Hall of Parliament. This significant gesture was undertaken by a non-Congress government, underscoring the lack of initiative by Congress in honouring his legacy.

Neglect of Ambedkar’s Legacy Sites

Congress overlooked the preservation and development of sites associated with Dr. Ambedkar’s life, including his birthplace in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. It was only under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government that efforts were made to transform these sites into national memorials, acknowledging their historical and cultural significance.

Political Coercion Against Dalit Autonomy

Dr Ambedkar’s demand for separate electorates for Dalits was vehemently opposed by Congress. Under pressure from Mahatma Gandhi, who undertook a fast unto death, Ambedkar was coerced into accepting the Poona Pact. This move denied Dalits the political autonomy Ambedkar envisioned, forcing them to settle for reserved constituencies instead.

Sabotage of the Hindu Code Bill

Congress played a key role in obstructing the Hindu Code Bill, which sought to reform personal laws and ensure gender equality. Frustrated by the lack of support, Dr. Ambedkar resigned as Law Minister. His resignation also highlighted other grievances, including the neglect of Scheduled Castes, Congress’s refusal to implement an OBC quota, and his assignment to an insignificant ministry.

Election Sabotage

Congress actively worked to defeat Dr. Ambedkar in elections. In the 1952 Lok Sabha elections and the 1954 Bhandara by-election, Congress fielded strong candidates against him, ensuring his loss. These actions starkly contrast with Congress’s claims of championing social justice.

Lack of Support for Social Movements

Dr. Ambedkar’s fight against untouchability and caste discrimination, including the historic Mahad Satyagraha, received no support from Congress. Mahatma Gandhi’s continued endorsement of the varna system further alienated Ambedkar, who envisioned complete caste annihilation.

Opposition to the Buddhist Movement

Dr. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism in 1956, a transformative step for Dalit liberation, found no support from Congress. The party avoided promoting this historic movement, reflecting its reluctance to engage with Ambedkar’s radical vision for social change.

Reservation for Neo-Buddhists

Neo-Buddhists, the community of Dalits who embraced Buddhism under Dr. Ambedkar’s leadership, were granted Scheduled Caste reservation benefits only in 1990. This landmark decision was made under a non-Congress government, further underscoring Congress’s indifference to Ambedkar’s followers.

Neglect of Ambedkar’s Intellectual Legacy

Congress made minimal efforts to preserve and promote Dr. Ambedkar’s intellectual contributions. The publication of his collected works, Rachanavali, began only during Sharad Pawar’s tenure as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, decades after Ambedkar’s passing.

No Celebration of Constitution Day

Dr. Ambedkar, as the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, played a pivotal role in shaping modern India. Yet, Congress never institutionalised the celebration of Constitution Day. This tradition was introduced only during Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister, reflecting a significant shift in recognising Ambedkar’s contributions.

The Superficial Association

The historical neglect and active opposition to Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas, movements, and legacy paint a stark contrast to Congress’s current attempts to associate with him. From denying him honours in his lifetime to opposing his political autonomy and social reforms, Congress’s actions have consistently undermined Ambedkar’s vision.

Credit Where It’s Due

Non-Congress governments, particularly those supported or led by the BJP, have been instrumental in honouring Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. From posthumously awarding him the Bharat Ratna to developing national memorials and promoting his intellectual works, these governments have demonstrated a genuine commitment to preserving Ambedkar’s contributions to the nation.

Ambedkarites who now view the BJP as their opponent should carefully examine these historical facts. They serve as a stark reminder of Congress’s long-standing neglect of backward communities and Dalits. Not only has Congress consistently ignored their rights and voices, but it has also attempted to undermine their entitlements, diverting them to minorities—particularly Muslims—for the sake of vote bank and appeasement politics.

Congress’s current invocation of Dr. Ambedkar’s name, critics argue, is less about genuine admiration and more about political expediency.