Bengaluru, April 13 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has criticized the Congress party regarding a state minister's statements about Ambedkar and Veer Savarkar, asserting that it was the historic party that played a role in Babasaheb's electoral loss.

Minister for Social Welfare H.C. Mahadevappa, a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleged that Veer Savarkar had plotted to defeat Ambedkar in the elections.

The Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, R. Ashoka, remarked on Sunday, "It was the Congress party that nominated a candidate against Babasaheb Ambedkar. The Congress devised every possible tactic to secure Ambedkar’s defeat. They also provided support to Narayan Sadoba Kajrolkar to ensure Ambedkar's loss. Ironically, it was the same Congress party that later honored him with the Padma Bhushan for his victory against Ambedkar."

"After orchestrating numerous schemes to undermine Babasaheb and denying him the Bharat Ratna, for the Congress to now assert that Veer Savarkar was responsible for Ambedkar’s electoral defeat is the epitome of hypocrisy," Ashoka criticized.

"In none of Ambedkar’s extensive biographies -- not even in the publication from 1974 by the Maharashtra Congress, nor in the volumes from Karnataka Congress -- is there any reference to Veer Savarkar in this context," Ashoka emphasized.

"The historical animosity the Congress harbored toward Ambedkar and their continuous attempts to marginalize him are clearly recorded in history," he pointed out.

"Even senior members of your own party, including CM Siddaramaiah's close associate and former Speaker Ramesh Kumar, have acknowledged the injustice Congress inflicted upon Ambedkar -- within the Assembly itself. Genuine followers of Ambedkar will never align with the Congress party," Ashoka added.

Earlier, Minister Mahadevappa, representing the oppressed class, responded to LoP Ashoka, stating, "Babasaheb Ambedkar’s enduring struggle was against individuals with a mindset akin to yours - entrenched in Manuvaad - and against the very tenets of that ideology. In this framework, your continued adherence to Manuvaad instead of embracing constitutional values, while disseminating false narratives about the Congress, simply amuses me because it showcases a lack of understanding on your behalf," Minister Mahadevappa remarked.

"Babasaheb himself indicated that Savarkar was the cause of his electoral defeat. So instead of spreading untruths, it would suffice if you acknowledged the truth voiced by Babasaheb," the Minister asserted.

In 1952, Dr Ambedkar lost to his former personal assistant and Congress candidate Narayan Sadoba Kajrolkar in Bombay (North). He was again defeated in the 1954 by-election in Bhandara by Congress nominee, Bhaurao Borkar.