Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 5 (NationPress) Kerala’s SC/ST Development Minister, O.R. Kelu, has made a strong accusation against the Union government, claiming it is intentionally undermining democratic processes and eroding the constitutional protections afforded to marginalized groups.

This statement was made on the 69th death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

“The current controversies regarding the SIR of the electoral rolls illustrate how Dr. Ambedkar’s foresight about threats to democracy is becoming increasingly pertinent,” he declared.

In a nod to Dr. Ambedkar’s vision, Minister O.R. Kelu emphasized that elections should not merely serve as a means to select representatives but should also be about upholding India’s secular foundation and ensuring that minorities feel secure.

Quoting Dr. Ambedkar’s 1950 speech in the Legislative Assembly in Thiruvananthapuram, he stated, “Babasaheb Ambedkar warned that democracy should never allow the majority to oppress minorities. He asserted that minorities must always feel secure.”

He further argued that Dr. Ambedkar had cautioned that if elections are not conducted effectively, the very essence of democracy is at risk.

In light of the SIR-related uproar, the minister claimed that electoral lists nationwide are experiencing “systematic exclusions” of the common populace, minorities, and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Even if the names of a few notable individuals are restored, he noted, “tens of thousands of ordinary voters will still remain excluded,” describing this as a deliberate tactic to influence political outcomes.

Kelu accused the Union government of attempting to reverse Kerala’s social advancements by targeting the state’s accomplishments in local governance and SC/ST welfare.

“Every time Kerala makes progress, the Centre seeks to undermine these achievements, and regrettably, the Opposition in the state aligns with them,” he remarked.

He contrasted this with what he described as the LDF government’s ongoing commitment to uplift SC/ST communities.

Kerala has introduced pioneering initiatives, including sending 1,104 students abroad for postgraduate education with scholarships up to Rs 25 lakh, enhancing 1,246 Ambedkar Gram infrastructure projects, providing land to 45,505 families, reconstructing over 78,000 SC/ST homes, and granting annual scholarships to 15 lakh students.

Kelu showcased Kerala’s flourishing Palakkad Medical College — where 428 students from tribal backgrounds have successfully completed MBBS — as a benchmark for India.

He also highlighted new programs like improved loan access for SC/ST entrepreneurs, the 'Samruddhi Kerala' scheme, and expanded educational support from pre-primary to PhD levels.

Pointing out record levels of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in BJP-ruled states, he described the Sangh Parivar’s claimed empathy for marginalized communities as “mere hypocrisy.”

“The Constitution serves as our protection. Kerala will steadfastly uphold Ambedkar’s principles, reinforce decentralization, and ensure genuine progress for SC/ST communities. Our movement forward will persist,” concluded Kelu.