'Jai Bhim' a Slogan of Wrong People & Criminal Party — Read How Govindganj BJP MLA Sunil Mani Tiwari’s Explosive Remark Fuels National Fury

Govindganj, Bihar- A controversial statement by Sunil Mani Tiwari, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Bihar's Govindganj constituency, has ignited a political firestorm. Tiwari’s remarks labeling the slogan "Jai Bhim" as the "slogan of wrong people" and a "criminal party’s slogan" have drawn sharp criticism from the Bahujan community, activists, and political parties. The controversy erupted after a heated exchange with a journalist, and a video of the incident has since gone viral on social media.

The controversy began when Ved Prakash questioned Tiwari about a separate issue involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. As the conversation concluded, the journalist said, "Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat," prompting a response from Tiwari that stunned onlookers. Tiwari only said "Jai Bharat." When the journalist pressed him to say "Jai Bhim" again, Tiwari remarked, "Babasaheb Ambedkar is our revered figure; But you people who say ‘Jai Bhim’—when the country gained independence and the Constitution was made, who defeated Babasaheb when he contested elections? It was Congress, wasn’t it? Who stopped him from progressing?"

When the journalist asked how this was relevant to "Jai Bhim," Tiwari continued, "If any party honored him with the Bharat Ratna, it was the BJP, it was Atal Ji. His photo is in my room too; we respect him." The journalist then challenged, "You’re an MLA who says ‘Jai Shri Ram,’ but won’t say ‘Jai Bhim’?" Tiwari retorted, "Who are the people who chant ‘Jai Bhim’? Tell me! Say ‘Babasaheb Ambedkar Zindabad,’ say ‘Babasaheb Amar Rahe.’ ‘Jai Bhim’ is the slogan of wrong people, the slogan of a criminal party. You say ‘Babasaheb Amar Rahe.’"

Tiwari’s remarks have sparked widespread anger among the Bahujan community and Ambedkarites. Prakash Ambedkar, the founder of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi and grandson of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, issued a scathing response on X, writing, "What does this fool know about Jai Bhim!? Jai Bhim is not just a slogan. It is a celebration of our claim and struggle for social justice, rights, and freedom of mind, as well as our resistance against the oppressive caste system."

The video of Sunil Mani Tiwari’s statement has spread like wildfire across social media platforms. Many users have condemned it as an insult to Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, arguing that "Jai Bhim" is a symbol of pride and identity for the Dalit community. Linking it to criminals has been deemed deeply offensive. Some have questioned whether Tiwari’s views reflect the BJP’s official stance, though the party has yet to issue a clarification.

The Significance of "Jai Bhim"

"Jai Bhim" is a slogan used in honor of Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of Dalit rights. Beyond a mere greeting, it represents resistance against the caste system and a call for equality and social justice.

According to a research paper by P.T. Ramteke, the slogan "Jai Bhim" was coined by Babu Hardas, a close confidant of Ambedkar. He writes, "Hardas was not comfortable with 'Jai Rama-pati' — (ostensibly a reference to Ambedkar, I presume) — with which he was greeted after being elected as a legislator. A Moulavi explained the meaning of 'Salam Alekum,' a greeting among Muslims. From this, he got the idea of 'Jai Bhim.' He decided that 'Jai Bhim' should be used and responded with 'Bal Bhim.' He propagated this method of greeting with the help of workers of 'Bhim Vijay Sangh.' Later, he decided that 'Bal Bhim' is not suitable and decided that both parties should greet each other with 'Jai Bhim.'"

Tiwari’s statement has been perceived by Ambedkar’s followers as an attack on his contributions and their struggle. The controversy has added a new twist to Bihar’s volatile political landscape. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supporters and various Dalit organizations have demanded strict action against Tiwari. Some activists have called it an assault on the values of the Indian Constitution and democracy. Meanwhile, questions linger about whether the BJP will distance itself from its MLA’s remarks or choose to overlook them.

As of now, the issue continues to gain traction, resonating from social media to the streets. Sunil Mani Tiwari’s statement could prove to be a significant challenge not only for him but also for the BJP, especially in a state like Bihar, where issues of caste and social justice are highly sensitive.