Deepak Kumar Rath
Ambedkar, Ambedkar, and Ambedkar has become the rhetoric of the winter session of Parliament 2024. There is no denying the fact that, after 75 years, the founder of India’s Constitution, BR Ambedkar, has received significant prominence in Indian politics. Since 2014, when Narendra Modi came to power, the unfulfilled wishes of Ambedkar Saheb have been realized. History has witnessed that it is the Congress party that humiliated BR Ambedkar the most. It is a proven fact that Congress rulers never emphasized the development of Dalits, minorities, or measures to eradicate poverty.
Smt. Indira Gandhi’s “Garibi Hatao” slogan was indeed inspiring, but now social scientists must analyze whether any actionable measures were taken to solve the grave issue. The answer is, unfortunately, nothing. Smt. Gandhi only used the slogan “Garibi Hatao” to garner the support of Dalits for years. The same is true of BR Ambedkar Saheb. Congress never implemented the true essence of Ambedkar’s vision for the social upliftment of economically backward classes. Ambedkar, in his writings, opposed reservation based on caste. If one examines the principles of implementing policies for social upliftment, it becomes evident that Congress, throughout its long rule, acted against the spirit of Ambedkar’s intentions to eradicate poverty and caste-based reservation.
Now, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s slogan of “Jai Bhim” in Parliament will not validate Ambedkar’s wishes. This can simply be termed as tokenism, a strategy Congress has repeatedly used in the past to gain votes without actual implementation of policies. On the other hand, Narendra Modi, after becoming Prime Minister, has taken decisive steps to strengthen Dalits, OBCs, SCs, and STs. The Modi government has been instrumental in giving BR Ambedkar not only national prominence but also global recognition.
If Congress loved Ambedkar so much, then why did it fail to even establish an Ambedkar Memorial at his birthplace in Uttar Pradesh? During Congress’s rule, almost all national and state institutions, highways, parks, buildings, and memorials were named after the Gandhi family—Jawaharlal Nehru, Smt. Indira Gandhi, or Rajiv Gandhi. While Congress claims a major role in India’s freedom struggle, the truth is that the struggle involved leaders from diverse schools of thought, including patriots, writers, and prominent social leaders. Therefore, the credit for India’s independence cannot solely go to Congress. It is worth noting that RSS workers also contributed to the freedom struggle. In fact, Congress sought the help of the RSS during the war with China in 1962. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whether in the Jansangh or BJP, always supported Congress when it came to matters of national interest.
Coming back to the issue, a woman MP from Nagaland wrote to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, expressing how Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s shouting at her made her feel unsafe. FIRs have been filed against Rahul Gandhi after a scuffle at the Makar Gate of Parliament, where two MPs—69-year-old Pratap Chandra Sarangi and 55-year-old Mukesh Rajput—are now in the ICU of RML Hospital, New Delhi. Rahul Gandhi speaks ill of Manu Smriti, but Manu Smriti does not advocate disrespecting women or elders. Manu Smriti specifically mentions how women deserve special respect everywhere. However, Rahul Gandhi does not even believe in the principles espoused by the name ‘Gandhi,’ who spoke of “Satya and Ahimsa,” instead resorting to petty politics. Such unruly behaviour and indiscipline must be restrained in the House.
Now, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi must behave like a mature politician. He must learn from his party’s predecessors or even from the BJP about how to play the role of a constructive opposition. India is a mature democracy with the highest number of youth in the world. The times have changed, and Rahul Gandhi must act responsibly, as the world is closely observing India’s growth. He must understand the value of India and Indian-ness. He should respect Bharat’s cultural moorings and rich heritage. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi should read the entire Indian Constitution and Manu Smriti. Elected representatives, irrespective of their party, must uphold their self-respect and consider the nation’s image. After all, politics is meant for serving the nation, not achieving self-goals. The slogan “Nation First, Self Last” must be adhered to by all elected representatives. India has always believed in “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” and engaging in partisan politics and tokenism will only erode the rich heritage of our Constitution. Let us work collectively for the greater good of our great nation.
By Deepak Kumar Rath
Leave Your Comment