Ambedkar Legacy and Political Firestorms: BJP vs. Congress in a Battle of Narratives

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19^th Dec. Amid heightened tensions in Parliament, a political storm has erupted over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Babasaheb Ambedkar. The controversy has drawn sharp lines between the ruling BJP and the Congress party, each accusing the other of disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy. While BJP MPs staged protests claiming Congress has historically undermined the Dalit icon, Congress leaders demanded Shah’s resignation, citing his alleged distortion of facts and disrespect toward constitutional values.

The BJP, led by Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh, seized the moment to accuse Congress of hypocrisy. Citing historical events, Singh argued that the Gandhi family received Bharat Ratnas while neglecting Ambedkar, who was only posthumously honored during the BJP’s tenure. Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh echoed this sentiment, defending Amit Shah’s speech as a factual recounting of Congress’s “anti-Ambedkar” actions. This counteroffensive comes as Shah accused Congress of being “anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution,” remarks that have added fuel to the fiery exchanges.

In response, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Shah’s resignation, framing the Home Minister’s remarks as part of a broader BJP-RSS agenda that undermines the Constitution. Kharge alleged that the BJP’s claims of respecting Ambedkar are hollow and asserted that the BJP’s leaders are loyal to the regressive principles of Manusmriti, not Ambedkar’s vision. Standing firm, Shah dismissed the resignation demands, quipping that his departure wouldn’t alter Congress’s electoral prospects, predicting their continued tenure in opposition for the next 15 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the fray, staunchly defending Shah and accusing Congress of a “dark history” of undermining Ambedkar. Modi cited a list of alleged Congress misdeeds, including Nehru’s opposition to Ambedkar, denying him a Bharat Ratna, and obstructing his recognition in Parliament’s Central Hall. For the BJP, this is not merely a historical debate but a calculated strategy to strengthen its appeal among Dalit voters while painting Congress as dismissive of their struggles.

Kharge, on the other hand, has vowed nationwide protests if Shah is not removed from his position. His allegations point to a deeper ideological clash, accusing the BJP of appropriating Ambedkar’s legacy for political gain while disregarding his vision for social justice and equality. Congress’s protests, supported by opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, aim to mobilize sentiment against what they perceive as a sustained attack on Ambedkar’s principles.

At its core, this clash reflects the enduring potency of Ambedkar’s legacy in Bharatiya politics. Both BJP and Congress are vying to claim ownership of his vision, knowing the influence it holds among voters. However, the heated rhetoric from both sides risks reducing this profound legacy into a political weapon rather than a guiding philosophy for inclusive governance.

The BJP’s narrative frames itself as the rightful inheritor of Ambedkar’s vision, pointing to its recognition of his contributions, including the posthumous Bharat Ratna. Congress, in contrast, argues that its foundational values are rooted in Ambedkar’s work, accusing the BJP of distorting history and misusing his legacy. As both parties escalate their claims, the debate risks overshadowing the essence of Ambedkar’s work: equality, justice, and empowerment for marginalized communities.

In the larger scheme of things, this episode highlights the fragility of political discourse in contemporary Bharat. The weaponization of historical figures like Ambedkar, often reduced to partisan tools, underscores the need for a more genuine engagement with their ideas. While the BJP and Congress trade barbs, it is the ideals of Ambedkar—social justice, equality, and constitutionalism—that deserve the spotlight, free from political exploitation.

As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: the debate over Ambedkar’s legacy is far from over. His vision continues to challenge political actors to rise above divisive politics and work toward an inclusive, equitable future. Whether this episode will elevate political dialogue or further polarize the electorate remains to be seen.