Kharge opposes limiting Ambedkar's legacy to Dalits

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke at a public meeting after announcing the statue of Ambedkar in Afzalpur Taluk in Kalaburagi district on Saturday. |Photo source: Arun Kulkarni

All Indian Congress Committee (AICC) Chairman and Opposition Leader Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge opposes efforts to limit BR Ambedkar's legacy to Dalits. Speaking at a public meeting in the village of Gabuburg (B) on Saturday after unveiling the Ambedkar statue, Mr. Harge claimed that Ambedkar is the leader of all communities, not just the Dalits.

“Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar are global idols who fight for the upliftment and welfare of overwhelmed communities. They belong to the entire world, not any part of society. Dr. Ambedkar is committed to the development of all oppressed and marginalized communities in India, and some unfortunately, some have worked hard to portray his leaders.

All rights

Mr. Kharge cited constitutional provisions such as equal rights (articles 14-18) and freedom rights (articles 19-22) (articles 19-22), emphasizing Ambedkar's vision of inclusiveness. “These rights are incorporated into the Constitution thanks to Ambedkar's efforts and they benefit every citizen, not just one group,” he said.

Mr. Harg criticized discriminatory practices within Hinduism, saying: “What is untouchable is Hinduism… Although some claim that all Hindus are equal, they still deny the Dalit opportunities for progress.”

Basavanna refers to Kharge noting that he rejected Hinduism because of his oppressive practices. “Basavanna was a Brahmin from birth who was committed to fighting intouchability, discrimination and gender inequality. He built his faith on equality.”

Mr. Harge highlighted the ongoing marginalization of the Dalits, and Harge said many felt forced to turn into Buddhism to seek dignity. “We Dalits are not here [in Hinduism] Not there [in Lingayatism]. This is why Dr. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, a 2,600-year-old belief that treats all humanity as well. ”

Anti-BJP Charge

Mr Kharge responded to the repeated allegations from BJP that Congress died in the 1952 general election, and that he failed in the 1952 general election, submitting a handwritten letter from Ambedkar himself.

“In that letter, Ambedkar said that Hindutva ideology VD Savarkar and Communist leader Sa Dange played a key role in the election losses,” Mr Kharge said.

“It was Congress representative Ambedkar. Congress appointed him as chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, incorporated him into the first union cabinet under Nehru and supported his vision. It was the right-wing Hindu forces who have always tried to suppress him.”

Drafting the Constitution

To cope with the claim that Ambedkar not only drafted the constitution, Mr Kharge quoted TT Krishnamachari, a member of the Indian Constitution Drafting Committee.

“Krishnamachari said that among the seven members, one resigned, one died, one went to the United States, the other occupied the royal duties, and two were often not in Delhi. The entire burden of drafting the constitution fell on Ambedkar. These were not my words, but Krishnamachari, but Krishnamachari of Madrasi Brahmin, who said the man he was talking about knand knand knand''khand'',”