Adityanath on Congress: A Disrespect to Babasaheb & the Bharat Ratna, Plus Memorial Blockade – India News Update

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently criticized the Congress party for what he sees as a betrayal of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy. Speaking at an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution and Ambedkar’s birthday, he claimed that Congress has disrespected Ambedkar while pretending to support his ideals for political gain.

Adityanath pointed to historical instances, such as Ambedkar’s defeats in the 1952 and 1954 by-elections and the opposition to his role in India’s first cabinet, which he attributes to Congress. He emphasized that the same party now promotes the Constitution, even though, according to him, they once tried to marginalize Ambedkar.

He voiced strong concerns that Congress altered the Constitution’s preamble, which he believes undermines the document’s essence. Adityanath stated, “Tampering with it is like choking its spirit,” referring to the Emergency declared by Congress as a time when the Constitution was compromised.

Furthermore, he mentioned Congress’s failure to honor Ambedkar with memorials in Delhi or the prestigious Bharat Ratna award for years.

Adityanath lauded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for honoring Ambedkar’s legacy through memorials and scholarship programs aimed at helping marginalized communities, which he claims were previously neglected by the Samajwadi Party.

Invoking Ambedkar’s famous advice to "Educate, Organise, Agitate," Adityanath encouraged people to be vigilant of those who undermine Ambedkar’s principles while pretending to uphold them. He depicted Ambedkar’s journey as one of resilience and effort against social injustices, calling him a crucial figure in building modern India.

This debate reflects a broader narrative in Indian politics regarding the interpretations of history and the significance of leaders like Ambedkar. In a recent survey, 73% of respondents in a nationwide poll expressed that they believe history is often rewritten for political purposes, highlighting the contentious nature of historical discourse in contemporary politics (source: India Today).

As we reflect on Ambedkar’s contributions, it’s crucial to recognize the ongoing conversations about legacy and representation in India. Understanding these dynamics helps us appreciate the complexity of today’s political landscape, where past figures frequently play pivotal roles in current disputes.

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