Fact Check: Did Arvind Kejriwal Insult BR Ambedkar? Here’s the Truth Behind the Viral Claim

A video clip of Arvind Kejriwal, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Chief Minister of Delhi, has gone viral on social media, sparking controversy. The video alleges that Kejriwal made derogatory remarks about Dr. BR Ambedkar, claiming he was drunk while drafting the Indian Constitution. However, a detailed investigation has found that the claim is misleading and false.

The Viral Claim

The clip circulating online shows Kejriwal purportedly saying, "Whoever wrote the Constitution must have been drunk while doing it." Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have shared the video, accusing Kejriwal of disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar and the Indian Constitution.

Investigation: What Really Happened?

According to India TV, the video was fact-checked to verify the authenticity of the viral video and its context. Here's what was uncovered:

Tracing the Source of the Video

A reverse image search using Google Lens revealed that the video clip is from a 2012 speech delivered by Kejriwal. The original speech was recorded at Raj Ghat, New Delhi, on November 25, 2012, during an event organized by the Aam Aadmi Party.

Full Context of the Statement

In the 17-minute unedited video, Kejriwal discusses the constitutions of various political parties, specifically targeting the Congress Party. At the 4:35 timestamp, he states:
"I have read the constitution of all political parties. The constitution of the Congress Party says that no Congress worker will consume alcohol... We were sitting... Somebody said whoever wrote this constitution must have done it after drinking alcohol."
This remark was directed at the Congress Party's internal constitution, not the Indian Constitution or Dr. BR Ambedkar.

AAP Spokesperson's Clarification

AAP Rajasthan spokesperson Devender Yadav responded to the viral clip, sharing the full, unedited video on social media. He clarified that the statement had been cropped to spread misinformation and affirmed that Kejriwal holds great respect for Dr. BR Ambedkar.

Misrepresentation by Social Media Users

The viral clip was edited to remove critical context, creating the false impression that Kejriwal was referring to Dr. Ambedkar. This deliberate manipulation has fueled misinformation, especially amidst ongoing political debates about the Constitution.

Verdict: False Claim

The fact-check confirms that the viral claim is entirely false. Arvind Kejriwal's statement was taken out of context and manipulated to mislead the public. His remarks had no connection to Dr. BR Ambedkar or the drafting of the Indian Constitution.

Importance of Verifying Claims

This incident underscores the growing threat of misinformation on social media. Misleading content can harm reputations, polarize communities, and derail constructive political discourse.