How Amit Shah's statement on Ambedkar reflects frustration of those uncomfortable with Dalit assertion, empowerment

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar remains the liberator and emancipator of India’s oppressed communities. However, attempts to box him between two Brahmanical political parties betray a superficial and self-serving understanding of his legacy. The statement by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha was highly objectionable, reflecting the frustration of those uncomfortable with Dalit assertion and empowerment.

Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy revolved around the welfare of human beings rather than devotion to gods or goddesses. As the Buddha asserted, human philosophy must prioritize human welfare—a principle echoed in the teachings of Charvaka as well. Baba Saheb’s real struggle was not against the Congress or BJP per se but against the Brahmanical Social Order (BSO). This system was supported or opposed by individuals across political parties.

Constitution Making: A Collective Effort

The Constitution-making process was a landmark reconciliation effort in Indian society. Dr. Ambedkar and the Congress Party had differing views, but they collaborated to rebuild the nation. Jawaharlal Nehru, in particular, recognized the importance of this process. Interestingly, Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, leader of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, was also part of this effort. Despite their ideological differences, none of these leaders resorted to labeling each other anti-national or inferior. They debated vigorously in Parliament, leading to the creation of a Constitution that remains a pillar of India’s unity.

Today, selective references to historical events have damaged our polity. Congress, as a broad-based organization during the freedom struggle, naturally became a platform for diverse leaders and ideas. After independence, these leaders formed separate parties, becoming political rivals in a democratic framework.

Both Dr. Ambedkar and Dr. Mookerjee served in Nehru’s cabinet. When Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1948, Mookerjee distanced himself from the Hindu Mahasabha but remained in the Cabinet. He only resigned in 1951 over the Nehru-Liaquat Pact, not under compulsion. Despite political differences, leaders like Nehru, Ambedkar, and Mookerjee shared mutual respect—a hallmark of a different, more respectful political era.

Ambedkar's Unfinished Fight

Dr. Ambedkar faced immense opposition during his career, particularly over the Hindu Code Bill, a progressive piece of legislation aimed at reforming Hindu personal laws. Prominent leaders like Dr. Rajendra Prasad, K.M. Munshi, Purushottam Das Tandon, and Syama Prasad Mookerjee fiercely opposed it. Even Sardar Patel leaned toward the opposition. Only Nehru and Ambedkar stood united in advocating for this reform.

Despite his contributions, Ambedkar faced political setbacks, losing Lok Sabha elections in North Bombay and Bhandara, with Congress ensuring his defeat. Other parties, including the Communist Party, Jana Sangh, and Hindu Mahasabha, also fielded candidates against him. While Congress historically downplayed Ambedkar’s legacy, he famously referred to it as the "original Brahmanical party of India." Were he alive today, one wonders what he would say about the BJP, which he might term the "Brahmin-Bania party."

Actions, Not Symbols

The debate over who honors Dr. Ambedkar better—Congress or BJP—is moot. The Bharat Ratna was not conferred on him by the BJP but by V.P. Singh, a leader vilified by both Congress and BJP. Singh also extended reservations to Neo-Buddhists, ensured the installation of Ambedkar’s portrait in Parliament, and declared Ambedkar Jayanti a national holiday. He worked tirelessly to preserve and spread Ambedkar’s ideas, often in collaboration with leaders like the late Ram Vilas Paswan.

Merely building grand memorials or statues of Dr. Ambedkar is not enough. To truly honor his legacy, political leaders must:

1. Implement land reforms and redistribute land to the marginalized.

2. Ensure free healthcare and education for all.

3. Halt the privatization of natural resources.

4. Fully implement reservations across all sectors.

Beyond the Constitution

Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy extends beyond his role in drafting the Constitution. He was a relentless critic of Brahmanical Hinduism, challenging its texts, gods, and practices. His 22 vows at Nagpur's Deekshabhoomi in 1956 called for a path of humanism inspired by the Buddha.

To uphold Ambedkar’s vision, we must stop confining him to mere rhetoric about the Constitution. Instead, we should focus on realizing his ideals: redistributing resources, providing free quality education, and ensuring inclusive governance that reflects India’s diversity.

The Path Forward

Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for India was one of progressive humanism, not regressive religious orthodoxy. His India would prioritize welfare, education, and healthcare, with leadership rooted in enlightenment, not division. It is time for the state to deliver welfare measures for Dalits, Adivasis, backward classes, and all marginalized communities, regardless of their religion or ethnicity. Only then can we create an inclusive and just society, true to the ideals of Dr. Ambedkar.

---

*Human rights defender

Comments

Workers' groups condemn Gujarat Ordinance increasing working hours, warn of statewide agitation

By A Representative At a consultation organised today by the Asangathit Shramik Hit Rakshak Manch at Circuit House in Ahmedabad, leaders of major trade unions and labour rights organisations strongly opposed the Gujarat government’s recent ordinance amending the Factories Act and the draft rules notified under the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code, 2020. Around 50 representatives from central trade unions, independent unions, and labour welfare organisations participated in the meeting.

The myth of population decline: India’s real challenge is density, not fertility

By N.S. Venkataraman* India’s population in 2025 stands at approximately 1.4 billion. In 1950, it was 359 million, rising sharply to 1.05 billion by 2000. The population continues to grow and is projected to reach around 1.7 billion by 2050.

How natural and organic farming can be a key to combating the climate crisis

By Raj Kumar Sinha* On July 9, while addressing the “Sahkar Samvad” in Ahmedabad with women and workers associated with cooperatives from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that natural farming is essential for both our health and the health of the soil. This is a significant statement in the context of addressing the climate change crisis. Natural farming can play a crucial role in combating climate change. Also known as organic farming, it is a system of agriculture that can increase food production without harming the environment. Natural farming has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 35% to 50%.

Another 'honor' killing in Tamil Nadu: Caste pride has murdered love, again

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* Once again, Tamil Nadu has witnessed a brutal so-called 'honor' killing. This time, it is Kevin Selvaganesh, a 27-year-old software engineer from the Scheduled Caste community, who has been hacked to death by the family of the girl he loved since childhood. Kevin, a brilliant student employed at Tata Consultancy Services, was in a relationship with Subashini, his schoolmate and girlfriend. The couple, both well-educated and professionally qualified, had plans to marry. Yet, that love story ended in bloodshed — sacrificed at the altar of caste pride.

From Kailasa to Lodonia: The business of inventing nations in India

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* This is the story of India—and the 'ideas' and 'imagination' that shape it. Some years ago, someone announced the creation of the 'United States of Kailasa,' a fictional nation 'founded' by Swami Nithyananda, who remains wanted in multiple criminal cases in India, including rape and murder. Remarkably, representatives of this fabricated country even managed to 'participate' in various United Nations events, including sessions of CEDAW in Geneva.

The GMO illusion: Three decades of hype, harm, and false hope

By Sridhar Radhakrishnan Three decades of hype, billions of dollars spent, and still no miracle crop. It's time to abandon the GMO biotech fairy tale and return to the soil, the seed, and the farmer. “Trust us,” they said. “GMOs will feed the world.” Picture a world where there is plenty of food, no hunger, fields grow without chemical pesticides, children are saved from malnutrition, and people live healthily.

'Bengali Muslim migrant workers face crackdown in Gurgaon': Academic raises alarm

By A Representative Political analyst and retired Delhi University professor Shamsul Islam has raised serious concerns over the ongoing targeting and detention of Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal in Gurgaon, Haryana. In a public statement, Islam described the situation as "brutal repression" and accused law enforcement agencies of detaining migrants arbitrarily under the pretext of verifying their citizenship.

Deaths in Chhattisgarh are not just numbers – they mark a deeper democratic crisis

By Sunil Kumar For a while, I had withdrawn into a quieter life, seeking solace in nature. But the rising tide of state-sponsored violence and recurring conflict across India has compelled deeper reflection. The recent incidents of killings in central India—particularly in Chhattisgarh—are not isolated acts. They point to a larger and ongoing crisis that concerns the health of democracy and the treatment of marginalised communities.

100 yrs of RSS as seen by global media house: Power, controversy, push for Hindu-first India

By Rajiv Shah On a blistering summer evening in Nagpur, nearly a thousand men in brown trousers, white shirts, and black caps stood in formation as a saffron flag was raised, marking a graduation ceremony for Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers. This vivid scene, described in a recent FT Weekend Magazine article, “A hundred years after it was founded, India's Hindu-nationalist movement is getting closer to its goal of a Hindu-first state,” captures the enduring presence of the RSS, a century-old Hindu-nationalist organization.

Search This Blog