Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly known as Babasaheb, is a name that resonates with justice, equality, and the relentless pursuit of dignity. The father of the Indian Constitution, his legacy is one of breaking chains—of caste, of oppression, and of apathy. He envisioned an India where liberty, equality, and fraternity weren’t just words but a lived reality for every citizen. Yet, ironically, Ambedkar’s journey is as much a testament to his brilliance as it is to the systemic hostility he faced—much of it, shockingly, from the Congress Party, which today parades itself as his ideological torchbearer.
Ambedkar’s role in crafting the Constitution wasn’t merely administrative; it was transformative. It was his sharp mind and unwavering commitment to social justice that ensured provisions for fundamental rights, abolishment of untouchability, and safeguards for the oppressed were enshrined in the Constitution. But for Ambedkar, this was just the beginning. He knew laws alone couldn't dismantle centuries of discrimination. His relentless fight for equality extended beyond the Constitution, as he took on entrenched systems of caste and gender oppression.
A critical part of this mission was his championing of the Hindu Code Bill—a revolutionary piece of legislation aimed at reforming Hindu personal laws and granting women rights over inheritance and property. But what happened next? The Congress Party, under Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, balked. The bill, bold and ahead of its time, was delayed, watered down, and ultimately shelved. For Ambedkar, this wasn’t just a setback; it was a betrayal of the very ideals of justice and equality. Frustrated and disillusioned, he resigned from the Cabinet in 1951—a bold move that underlined his principle over politics.
Ambedkar’s political battles didn’t end there. The Congress Party, which claims to honor him today, systematically worked to keep him out of power. In the 1952 general elections, they ensured his defeat in Bombay. When he contested again in the 1954 Bhandara by-elections, the story repeated itself. Even Nehru, often glorified as a champion of democracy, actively campaigned against Ambedkar. It was Syama Prasad Mukherjee of the Jan Sangh—hardly a political ally of Ambedkar—who eventually helped him secure a Rajya Sabha seat, ensuring his voice wasn’t silenced entirely.
Ambedkar’s belief in the territorial and constitutional integrity of India was unshakeable. He was a vocal opponent of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Ambedkar firmly believed that every state and every citizen should be governed by the same laws, ensuring equality and unity across the nation. He argued that such special provisions would only create divisions and weaken the idea of one India. Despite his strong opposition, Nehru ignored his advice, and Article 370 found its way into the Constitution—an act that Ambedkar viewed as compromising national integrity for political expediency. Decades later, the ramifications of this decision only validate Ambedkar’s foresight.
Similarly, Ambedkar was an ardent supporter of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He included Article 44 in the Constitution as a Directive Principle, emphasizing the need for one set of laws for all citizens, regardless of religion. He saw the UCC as a crucial step toward eliminating social inequalities and ensuring true secularism in India. Yet, today, the Congress Party, which pays lip service to Ambedkar’s legacy, staunchly opposes the UCC, prioritizing political appeasement over the vision of the man they claim to revere.
These political defeats and ideological betrayals, however, didn’t diminish Ambedkar’s intellectual and moral stature. Yet even in death, the indifference he faced during his life lingered. Demands for a memorial in his honor were dismissed. Nehru’s letters, which later came to light, reveal his discomfort with the idea of commemorating Ambedkar. Contrast this with the Congress Party’s enthusiasm in awarding the Bharat Ratna to Nehru himself in 1955 and Indira Gandhi in 1971. Ambedkar, the man who gave India its democratic soul, was ignored until 1990, when a non-Congress government finally corrected this historical wrong.
And then there’s the matter of Ambedkar’s book. When he approached Nehru with a request for government support to distribute his work during Buddha Jayanti celebrations, Nehru’s response was not just dismissive but patronizing. Claiming a lack of funds, he suggested that Ambedkar sell the books himself at the event. Imagine that—one of India’s greatest minds, reduced to peddling his own work. This wasn’t just a snub; it was symbolic of the Congress Party’s disregard for his vision and contributions.
These instances paint a starkly different picture from the one the Congress Party now tries to project. Today, they display Ambedkar’s portraits in their offices and invoke his name in speeches. But history doesn’t lie. The very party that now seeks to appropriate his legacy actively marginalized him during his lifetime. Nehru’s calm response to Ambedkar’s resignation—"Ambedkar’s departure doesn’t weaken the Cabinet"—is particularly telling. This wasn’t just political pragmatism; it was a dismissal of one of India’s brightest minds and fiercest reformers.
Ambedkar’s journey was never about personal power or glory. It was about building an India where no one would face the discrimination and humiliation he endured. His vision wasn’t limited to laws and policies; it extended to the very soul of the nation. He fought for the millions who had no voice, no rights, and no hope. And while the Congress Party tried to erase or diminish his role, his legacy remains untouchable.
As India continues to grapple with issues of inequality, caste discrimination, and national integration, Ambedkar’s teachings are more relevant than ever. But honoring him requires more than lip service or token gestures. It demands a genuine commitment to the principles he stood for—a commitment to challenge entrenched systems of power and privilege, even when it’s inconvenient.
Ambedkar’s life is a reminder that progress doesn’t come from compromise or convenience. It comes from courage, conviction, and an unwavering belief in justice. His legacy belongs not to a party or an ideology but to the people of India, for whom he fought tirelessly. As we reflect on his contributions, let us not just remember the man he was but strive to build the India he dreamed of—one that truly embodies liberty, equality, and fraternity for all.
0 Comments