Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress for denying a portrait of BR Ambedkar in the Parliament's Central Hall. Taking to Twitter, he listed the years of "sins" committed by the Congress against the Dalit leader. This comes after Amit Shah criticized the party for making it a trend to invoke Ambedkar's name, saying they would get a place in heaven if they took God's name as many times.
Bharat Ratna and the Congress's Stance on B.R. Ambedkar
Background:
Bharat Ratna is India's highest civilian award, conferred upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation in various fields. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
Current Developments:
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the opposition Congress party for denying a portrait of Ambedkar in the Parliament's Central Hall. In a series of tweets, he highlighted the Congress's alleged history of neglecting Ambedkar and suppressing his ideals.
The dispute stems from a proposal by the government to display portraits of all former presidents and prime ministers in the Central Hall. However, the Congress opposed the inclusion of Ambedkar's portrait, arguing that he was not a president or a prime minister.
Amit Shah's Criticism:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also criticized the Congress for its stance on Ambedkar. He accused the party of exploiting his name for political gains while failing to implement his teachings. Shah stated that invoking Ambedkar's name would not help the Congress gain electoral success.
Historical Context:
The Congress's relationship with Ambedkar has been complex. While the party played a role in supporting Ambedkar's social reforms, including the abolition of untouchability, it also clashed with him over political and ideological differences.
Ambedkar was a vocal critic of the Congress's caste system and its socialist policies. He founded the Republican Party of India, which challenged the Congress's dominance in Dalit politics.
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