Why are Congress and BJP Fighting Over Ambedkar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress and BJP are in a heated dispute over Ambedkar's legacy.
- The installation of Ambedkar's statue has become a flashpoint for political tensions.
- Both parties are leveraging history to garner support.
- Public perception of Ambedkar's contributions is crucial in shaping political narratives.
- Respectful dialogue around historical figures is essential for democracy.
Bhopal, June 17 (NationPress) The Opposition Congress in Madhya Pradesh and the ruling BJP clashed once more over B. R. Ambedkar, each party accusing the other of disrespecting the architect of the Constitution.
The latest round of accusations sparked over the installation of Ambedkar's statue at the premises of the Gwalior bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
A group of senior Congress leaders, including former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh and the party's in-charge for the state, Harish Choudhary, held a press conference on Tuesday where they accused the RSS and BJP of obstructing the statue's installation.
Congress leaders claimed that the RSS and BJP were attempting to undermine Ambedkar's vital role as the architect of the Constitution.
During the press briefing, Congress showcased posters and hoardings recently displayed in Gwalior, alleging that the BJP was trying to elevate B.N. Rau, a former civil servant and constitutional advisor to the Constituent Assembly.
Digvijaya Singh pointed out that B.N. Rau was merely an advisor, not a member of the Constituent Assembly, asserting that it was erroneous to diminish Ambedkar's contributions.
He added, 'The RSS had previously burned copies of the Constitution and opposed the Tricolor, and now they are against the installation of Babasaheb's statue and his legacy.'
Congress general secretary and Madhya Pradesh in-charge Harish Chaudhary called it unfortunate that a 'controversy' was being stirred regarding the installation of Ambedkar's statue in the High Court premises in Gwalior.
'There is a well-coordinated conspiracy questioning the contributions of the maker of the Constitution. Such controversies are originating from the Nagpur headquarters of the RSS,' he alleged.
In response to the Congress' claims, Madhya Pradesh BJP chief V. D. Sharma asserted that Nehru had always belittled Ambedkar, a fact well-known to the Indian populace.
Sharma stated that the RSS is the world's largest social organization and prioritizes national security.
'The RSS, devoted to the nation, does not need validation from the Congress. The people of India are aware of how the Nehru family disrespected Ambedkar,' Sharma claimed during a press conference at the BJP office in Bhopal.