Dr B R Ambedkar, the visionary architect of India’s Constitution, has long been regarded as one of the most significant figures in shaping the nation’s democratic framework. However, the political treatment of Ambedkar, particularly by the Congress Party, paints a grim picture of neglect, betrayal, and marginalisation. Despite his pivotal role in India’s independence and the creation of a just society, the Congress government consistently failed to honour his contributions, leaving it to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to make significant strides in recognising and memorialising his legacy.
One of the most glaring examples of Congress’s disregard for Ambedkar’s contributions is the delayed recognition of the man who designed India’s Constitution. It was only in 1990, 44 years after his death, that Dr Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. The delay in conferring this honour, despite Ambedkar’s monumental contributions, reflects the Congress Party’s indifference to his legacy. Congress leaders Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi all ignored Ambedkar’s role in shaping the nation’s democratic values and social justice policies. In stark contrast, Indira Gandhi was bestowed with the Bharat Ratna long before Ambedkar ever received it, despite his more profound and lasting impact on Indian society.
BJP’s Concrete Actions to Preserve Ambedkar’s Legacy
Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial (2003 & 2018)
In 2003, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone for a national memorial at 26 Alipur Road, Delhi—the place where Dr. Ambedkar spent his final days. Despite prolonged delays under subsequent Congress-led governments, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration completed the project. The memorial was inaugurated in 2018, turning it into a grand tribute to Ambedkar’s life and work.
Bharat Ratna Award (1990)
Dr. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1990. This long-overdue recognition came under the V.P. Singh government, which was supported by the BJP. For 44 years after his demise, Congress-led regimes overlooked Ambedkar for this honor, even though figures like Indira Gandhi were awarded the Bharat Ratna much earlier.
Development of Panchteerths
The BJP-led government developed five sacred sites associated with Dr. Ambedkar’s life, collectively known as ‘Panchteerths’:
- Mhow, Madhya Pradesh: His birthplace.
- London: The house where he stayed during his higher studies.
- Nagpur, Maharashtra: The site of his historic conversion to Buddhism.
- Delhi: The place of his Mahaparinirvana (demise).
- Mumbai, Maharashtra: Chaitya Bhoomi, his cremation site.
Ambedkar International Centre (2017)
In 2017, the BJP government established the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi to promote research and discussions on social justice and equality, embodying Ambedkar’s vision.
Constitution Day (2015)
In 2015, the Modi government declared November 26 as Constitution Day to mark the adoption of the Indian Constitution and to honour Ambedkar as its principal architect. This annual celebration reinforces Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s democratic framework.
Social Welfare Schemes Aligned with Ambedkar’s Vision
The BJP government’s flagship programs, such as Antyodaya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Saubhagya Yojana, and Shauchalaya Yojana, resonate with Ambedkar’s advocacy for social justice, equality, and the upliftment of the marginalised.
Congress’s Long History of Neglect and Opportunism
Delayed Bharat Ratna Recognition
Dr. Ambedkar received the Bharat Ratna in 1990, 44 years after his death. Despite his monumental contributions, successive Congress governments under Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi ignored him for the honour. In a glaring contrast, Indira Gandhi was awarded the Bharat Ratna long before Ambedkar, showcasing Congress’s disregard for his legacy.
Poona Pact (1932)
In 1932, Dr. Ambedkar demanded separate electorates for Dalits to ensure their political empowerment. However, Mahatma Gandhi’s fast-unto-death pressured him into a compromise through the Poona Pact. Ironically, Gandhi supported separate electorates for religious minorities like Muslims but strongly opposed them for Dalits, highlighting the Congress’s discriminatory stance.
Hindu Code Bill (1951)
Dr. Ambedkar proposed progressive reforms for gender equality in marriage and inheritance through the Hindu Code Bill. However, conservative Congress members opposed these reforms, stalling the legislation. Frustrated by the lack of support, Ambedkar resigned from his position as Law Minister, accusing the Congress of betraying progressive ideals.
Constitutional Undermining
While Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Congress leaders downplayed his pivotal role, attributing the document to collective efforts. Congress’s actions—such as imposing the Emergency, tearing bills passed by constitutional procedures, and creating extra-constitutional bodies like the NAC—further undermined the principles Ambedkar enshrined in the Constitution.
Neglect of Land Reforms
Ambedkar emphasised land redistribution as a means of Dalit empowerment. However, Congress’s half-hearted land reforms failed to challenge feudal structures, perpetuating inequality and Dalit poverty.
Award to Narayan Kajrolkar (1970)
Narayan Sadoba Kajrolkar, who defeated Ambedkar in the 1952 general elections, was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Congress government in 1970. This move was widely perceived as an attempt to undermine Ambedkar’s political legacy.
Denial of Ambedkar’s Portrait in Parliament
Congress denied the installation of Ambedkar’s portrait in the Central Hall of Parliament until 1990. This glaring omission speaks volumes about the party’s apathy toward honouring Ambedkar’s contributions.
