Ambedkar Row: Mayawati Criticises BJP, Congress For "Selfish Politics’

Bahujan Samaj Party ( BSP) supremo and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mayawati on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress. Mayawati accused both the national partiers of exploiting BR Ambedkar's name for their personal political gains. BSP cheif highlighted widespread dismay among the populace due to comments made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Ambedkar. Moreover, Mayawati pointed out that the Congress has consistently overlooked Ambedkar's contributions.

The BSP leader pointed out that the true respect and honour for notable figures from the Bahujan Samaj, including Ambedkar, were only realized under the BSP's governance. She criticized other parties, especially the Samajwadi Party (SP), for their casteist attitudes, including acts like renaming districts and altering the names of welfare schemes and public institutions out of spite. Mayawati's remarks underscore the deep-seated political maneuvers aimed at undermining the BSP and diminishing Ambedkar's legacy.

The Ambedkar Row: What Sparked It?

The controversy surrounding Ambedkar ignited during a Constitution debate in Rajya Sabha, where Shah allegedly made contentious remarks about Ambedkar, leading to significant uproar and political fallout. Shah's comments prompted accusations from Congress about misrepresenting his words and distorting the narrative in Rajya Sabha. The fallout was such that both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha saw continuous protests from both the treasury and opposition benches. The turmoil only subsided when the sessions were adjourned sine die. This incident highlights the ongoing political strife and the sensitivity surrounding Ambedkar's legacy.

Mayawati's reaction to Shah's remarks was to demand an apology, threatening nationwide protests by the BSP on December 24 if Shah failed to do so. She vented her frustration on X (formerly known as Twitter) in Hindi, emphasizing Ambedkar's crucial role in crafting a constitution that champions the rights and dignity of Dalits, the underprivileged, and other marginalized communities within India.

Mayawati expressed that Ambedkar's disrespect was intolerable, reflecting the sentiments of various societal sections deeply affected by Shah's parliamentary comments. She described the Congress's response to the controversy as "pure deception" and a "politics of selfishness," asserting that all political parties seem to be conspiring against the BSP and Ambedkar's esteem. This stance by Mayawati marks a significant critique of the political landscape, suggesting a unanimous effort to undermine the principles and values that Ambedkar stood for.