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.

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*Human rights defender