Congress always insulted Ambedkar, now claiming legacy, alleges BJP | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: BJP on Monday accused Congress of disrespecting, mocking and humiliating B R Ambedkar during his lifetime, and doing a “drama” of remembering his legacy now, which showed the opposition party’s hypocrisy.
Senior BJP neta Ravi Shankar Prasad highlighted several instances where he said Congress disregarded Ambedkar’s contributions and dignity.
He pointed out that after Ambedkar resigned from Nehru’s cabinet, he wasn’t even allowed to address the House, a courtesy extended to resigning ministers. He cited Ambedkar’s resignation letter, which criticised then PM Jawaharlal Nehru for “focusing on Muslim appeasement” while neglecting the welfare of SCs.
“I have been wondering whether there is any other parallel in the world to the condition of Scheduled Castes in India. I cannot find any. And yet, why is no relief granted to Scheduled Castes? Compare the concern the govt shows over safeguarding Muslims. The PM’s attention is devoted to the protection of Muslims. I yield to none, not even the PM, in my desire to give Muslims of India the utmost protection. But what I want to know is, are Muslims the only people who need protection?” Prasad quoted Ambedkar as asking in his resignation letter.
Prasad demanded an unconditional apology from Congress for its “historical ill-treatment of Ambedkar”, branding its recent actions as mere political tactics that the public would see through. He accused Congress of double standards, especially in light of recent events in Parliament where a scuffle resulted in injuries and legal action against Rahul Gandhi, which Congress netas have portrayed as a stand for Ambedkar’s honour.
Prasad accused Congress of historical bias by not awarding Ambedkar honours like Bharat Ratna or Padma awards while honouring those who opposed him, like Narayan Sadooba Kajrolkar. He said BJP planned to expose Congress’ “hateful attitude” towards Ambedkar through a series of pressers.