Political Tug-of-War: Dr. Ambedkar's Legacy and the Hypocrisy of Congress and BJP

In modern Indian politics, the ideological conflict regarding the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has escalated significantly. The recent dispute ignited by Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. Ambedkar in Parliament has led to an intense discussion, with Congress charging the BJP of being “anti-Ambedkar” and “anti-constitutional,” while the BJP responds with claims that Congress has historically let down Dr. Ambedkar and his mission.

At their essence, both sides appear to be involved in a rhetorical battle to co-opt Ambedkar's legacy while ignoring his challenges and the institutional disregard encountered by his community. Both Congress historically and BJP currently have not genuinely fulfilled Dr. Ambedkar's vision or served his followers, especially the Dalit community.

Congress' Betrayal of Dr. Ambedkar

Dr. Ambedkar, the creator of the Indian Constitution, maintained a controversial relationship with Congress. Though honored today, Ambedkar's political existence was characterized by marginalization, especially from the Congress leadership.

The 1952 general elections in Mumbai serve as a prime example. Although Ambedkar was a prominent national figure and advocated for marginalized communities, he lost the election due to Congress's refusal to offer support.

Political analysts contend that Congress perceived Ambedkar’s concept of social justice as a danger to its political dominance, particularly since his initiatives confronted the caste system firmly rooted in Indian culture.

This dismissal was not a singular occurrence. During the 1954 Bhandara by-election, Congress once more opposed Ambedkar’s candidacy. The party's failure to recognize his input or offer political opportunity underscored a purposeful marginalization of his beliefs. Consequently, Ambedkar's loss represented more than an individual defeat; it marked a setback for the empowerment of Dalits and the pursuit of social justice.

This historical fact prompts troubling inquiries regarding Congress's authenticity in asserting its commitment to Ambedkar’s legacy. It is ironic that the party, which did not support Ambedkar while he was alive, now claims to uphold his principles.

BJP’s Attempt to Appropriate Ambedkar

On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has actively worked to assert Ambedkar’s legacy in recent times. The party often emphasizes efforts like constructing memorials and commemorating Ambedkar Jayanti with splendor. Nonetheless, these symbolic actions sharply contrast with the actual conditions experienced by Dalits during BJP’s rule.

The ideological conflict within the BJP arises from its ties to groups such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which traditionally possessed viewpoints that clashed with Ambedkar's strong resistance to the caste system. Ambedkar is known for criticizing Hindu orthodoxy and selecting Buddhism as a means to escape caste oppression. The BJP’s lack of response to matters like caste-related violence, rising abuses against Dalits, and its advocacy for majoritarian policies reveal the party’s biased understanding of Ambedkar’s philosophy.

Amit Shah's latest remarks have merely intensified this paradox. Though blaming Congress for neglecting Ambedkar, the BJP’s own policies and actions hardly benefit the marginalized. For example, Dalit groups still face discrimination, economic marginalization, and inadequate representation in important sectors, regardless of BJP's assertions of inclusiveness.

Congress and BJP: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Both Congress and BJP seem to be engaged in a political rivalry to "claim" Ambedkar, but their methods indicate an absence of true dedication to his principles. Congress, which professes to be secular and inclusive, has traditionally overlooked Ambedkar’s demand for the destruction of caste. Its inability to tackle caste-related inequalities over decades of governance weakens its present stance as Ambedkar’s representative.

In a similar manner, the BJP's attempts to enhance Ambedkar’s stature are compromised by its ideological foundations and socio-political objectives. Ambedkar's revolutionary concepts of equality, the elimination of caste, and social justice conflict with the BJP's focus on cultural nationalism.

The Dalit community, which Ambedkar advocated for tirelessly, still remains overlooked. The political establishment is more focused on using Ambedkar’s name to secure votes instead of enacting policies that would actualize his vision.

Dr. Ambedkar’s Ideology: Beyond Symbolism

Dr. Ambedkar’s influence goes well beyond his position as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee. He was a visionary who realized that political democracy lacking social and economic equality would remain empty. Ambedkar promoted education, economic upliftment, and the destruction of caste as essential for a genuinely equitable society.

Nonetheless, successive administrations, irrespective of their political ties, have not managed to tackle these fundamental concerns. Educational and job prospects for Dalits continue to be restricted, and discrimination based on caste still exists in different ways. The reservation system, an important initiative brought forth by Dr. Ambedkar, has frequently been weakened or politicized, compromising its goal of securing representation and empowerment.

The Real Justice to Dr. Ambedkar’s Legacy

The continuous verbal conflict between Congress and BJP highlights the political opportunism that has characterized Ambedkar’s legacy in India. Rather than participating in substantial policy discussions to tackle Dalit issues, both parties resort to tokenism and playing the blame game rooted in history.

Realizing Ambedkar’s vision entails concrete actions rather than just empty words. Policies emphasizing education, land redistribution, job creation, and safeguards against caste-based violence need to take precedence. Ambedkar felt that real empowerment would arise from dismantling the chains of caste and attaining economic self-sufficiency.

Moreover, political parties need to recognize the full extent of Dr. Ambedkar's contributions. His challenges, thoughts, and sacrifices cannot be minimized to mere electoral instruments. Both Congress and BJP need to reflect on their contributions to sustaining caste disparities and accept responsibility for their deeds.

- Author Abhinav Singh Yadav is a graduate from University of Delhi and pursuing Masters PG at Department of Economic Studies, Central University of Punjab.