Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called out Union Minister Amit Shah for his disparaging remarks about B R Ambedkar, stating that Shah would have been a "scrap dealer" if not for the Constitution. Amidst din in the assembly, Siddaramaiah said Shah's words reflect the true opinion of the BJP and Sangh Parivar about Ambedkar. He also congratulated Shah for openly revealing their innermost thoughts. The House was adjourned twice as both the Congress and BJP MLAs sparred over the issue.
Ambedkar and the BJP: A History of Disparagement
The recent comments by Union Minister Amit Shah regarding B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, have reignited a long-standing debate about the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) attitude towards the Dalit leader.
Shah's Remarks
On August 11, 2023, Shah dismissed Ambedkar as a "half-educated" scholar who "collected whatever was convenient for him from Manu's laws and Western literature." He claimed that Ambedkar's Constitution had failed to unite the country.
Siddaramaiah's Response
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah denounced Shah's remarks as disparaging and reflective of the BJP's true stance on Ambedkar. He asserted that without the Constitution, Shah would have been a "scrap dealer," emphasizing the importance of Ambedkar's work in shaping India's democratic fabric.
Historical Context
The BJP's hostility towards Ambedkar has roots in the party's ideological affiliation with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization, has a long history of opposing affirmative action policies that benefit Dalits and other marginalized groups.
In the past, BJP leaders such as L.K. Advani and Narendra Modi have also made controversial statements about Ambedkar. In 2014, Modi described Ambedkar as a "bridegroom's father" who had "married" the Constitution to the Hindu religion.
Political Implications
Shah's remarks have sparked outrage among Dalit organizations and other opposition parties. The incident has also raised questions about the BJP's commitment to social justice and equality.
The Congress party, which traditionally enjoys strong support from Dalits, is attempting to capitalize on the controversy by portraying the BJP as anti-Dalit. The BJP, on the other hand, is likely to defend Shah's comments as a reflection of his personal opinion.
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