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

Gujarat Information Commission issues warning against misinterpretation of RTI orders

By A Representative The Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) has issued a press note clarifying that its orders limiting the number of Right to Information (RTI) applications for certain individuals apply only to those specific applicants. The GIC has warned that it will take disciplinary action against any public officials who misinterpret these orders to deny information to other citizens. The press note, signed by GIC Secretary Jaideep Dwivedi, states that the Right to Information Act, 2005, is a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability in public administration. However, the commission has observed that some applicants are misusing the act by filing an excessive number of applications, which disproportionately consumes the time and resources of Public Information Officers (PIOs), First Appellate Authorities (FAAs), and the commission itself. This misuse can cause delays for genuine applicants seeking justice. In response to this issue, and in acc...

Targeted eviction of Bengali-speaking Muslims across Assam districts alleged

By A Representative A delegation led by prominent academic and civil rights leader Sandeep Pandey visited three districts in Assam—Goalpara, Dhubri, and Lakhimpur—between 2 and 4 September 2025 to meet families affected by recent demolitions and evictions. The delegation reported widespread displacement of Bengali-speaking Muslim communities, many of whom possess valid citizenship documents including Aadhaar, voter ID, ration cards, PAN cards, and NRC certification.

'Govts must walk the talk on gender equality, right to health, human rights to deliver SDGs by 2030'

By A Representative With just 64 months left to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global health and rights advocates have called upon governments to honour their commitments on gender equality and the human right to health. Speaking ahead of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), experts warned that rising anti-rights and anti-gender pushes are threatening hard-won progress on SDG-3 (health and wellbeing) and SDG-5 (gender equality).

A comrade in culture and controversy: Yao Wenyuan’s revolutionary legacy

By Harsh Thakor* This year marks two important anniversaries in Chinese revolutionary history—the 20th death anniversary of Yao Wenyuan, and the 50th anniversary of his seminal essay "On the Social Basis of the Lin Biao Anti-Party Clique". These milestones invite reflection on the man whose pen ignited the first sparks of the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution and whose sharp ideological interventions left an indelible imprint on the political and cultural landscape of socialist China.

Is U.S. fast losing its financial and technological edge under Trump’s second tenure?

By Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra* The United States, along with its Western European allies, once promoted globalization as a democratic force that would deliver shared prosperity and balanced growth. That promise has unraveled. Globalization, instead of building an even world, has produced one defined by inequality, asymmetry of power, and new vulnerabilities. For decades, Washington successfully turned this system to its advantage. Today, however, under Trump’s second administration, America is attempting to exploit the weaknesses of others without acknowledging how exposed it has become itself.

Gandhiji quoted as saying his anti-untouchability view has little space for inter-dining with "lower" castes

By A Representative A senior activist close to Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA) leader Medha Patkar has defended top Booker prize winning novelist Arundhati Roy’s controversial utterance on Gandhiji that “his doctrine of nonviolence was based on an acceptance of the most brutal social hierarchy the world has ever known, the caste system.” Surprised at the police seeking video footage and transcript of Roy’s Mahatma Ayyankali memorial lecture at the Kerala University on July 17, Nandini K Oza in a recent blog quotes from available sources to “prove” that Gandhiji indeed believed in “removal of untouchability within the caste system.”

'MGNREGA crisis deepening': NSM demands fair wages and end to digital exclusions

By A Representative The NREGA Sangharsh Morcha (NSM), a coalition of independent unions of MGNREGA workers, has warned that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is facing a “severe crisis” due to persistent neglect and restrictive measures imposed by the Union Government.

On Teachers’ Day, remembering Mother Teresa as the teacher of compassion

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ It is Teachers’ Day once again! Significantly, the day also marks the Feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta (still lovingly called Mother Teresa). In 2012, the United Nations, as a fitting tribute to her, declared this day the International Day of Charity. A day pregnant with meaning—one that we must celebrate as meaningfully as possible.

Gujarat minority rights group seeks suspension of Botad police officials for brutal assault on minor

By A Representative A human rights group, the Minority Coordination Committee (MCC) Gujarat, has written to the Director General of Police (DGP), Gandhinagar, demanding the immediate suspension and criminal action against police personnel of Botad police station for allegedly brutally assaulting a minor boy from the Muslim community.

Counterview

Search This Blog