Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Disrespecting Dr B R Ambedkar's Legacy and Altering Constitution

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the Congress for allegedly disrespecting Dr. B R Ambedkar's legacy while claiming to support it for political purposes. Speaking in Agra during a celebration of 75 years since the Indian Constitution's enactment and Dr. Ambedkar's birth anniversary, Adityanath accused the Congress of sidelining Ambedkar at crucial moments despite now using the Constitution for political advantage.

Adityanath questioned who defeated Ambedkar in the 1952 and 1954 by-elections and who opposed his inclusion in India's first cabinet, despite his qualifications. He stated, "It was the Congress," accusing them of dishonouring Ambedkar during his lifetime while now misleading the public by holding up the Constitution.

Allegations Against Congress

The Chief Minister accused Congress of altering the Constitution's preamble, describing it as an attack on its essence. He compared tampering with the preamble to choking the Constitution's spirit, referencing the Emergency period imposed by Congress as a time when the Constitution was throttled.

Adityanath criticised Congress for denying Ambedkar a memorial in Delhi for decades and not awarding him the Bharat Ratna. He noted that while Congress families received 50-acre memorials, not even an inch was given for Ambedkar until Atal Bihari Vajpayee supported awarding him the Bharat Ratna.

BJP's Efforts to Honour Ambedkar

Adityanath praised the BJP for institutionalising Ambedkar's legacy through grand memorials and continuing reservation policies for oppressed classes. He highlighted scholarship schemes restarted by his government after being discontinued by the Samajwadi Party, quoting Ambedkar's words: "Educate, Organise, Agitate."

He urged people to remain vigilant against those who insult Ambedkar's ideals while pretending to protect them. Adityanath emphasised that Ambedkar never wanted blind followers but encouraged rising through struggle and knowledge, describing his life as one of relentless perseverance against caste discrimination.

Condemnation of Violence in West Bengal

Adityanath condemned violence in West Bengal, asserting that strict action is needed against those inciting riots. He criticised the silence of the Samajwadi Party and Congress on this issue, accusing them of ignoring threats to marginalised lives. He stated that Mamata Banerjee considers rioters as peace messengers, while they are actually enemies of peace.

The Chief Minister called for decisive action against such elements, stressing that mere appeals will not suffice. He announced plans for memorials and research centres in Lucknow and Agra based on Ambedkar's vision, including hostels and scholarships for Scheduled Castes and Tribes students.

Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Support

Referring to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Adityanath stated it aims to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted Dalit Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. He criticised Congress and Samajwadi Party for opposing the Act through violent protests.

Adityanath affirmed support for deprived Hindu families from neighbouring countries, criticising opposition parties for standing against these efforts. He also hailed installing Dr. Ambedkar's original Constitution copy in the new Parliament building as a historic step and a true tribute to Ambedkar's vision for India.