Karnataka BJP Questions Congress's Authority to Discuss Dr. Ambedkar in Our Constitution, Our Pride Campaign

Bengaluru, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP on Thursday asserted that the amendments made by the BJP are pro-Constitution and pro-reservation, posing the question: what right do Congress leaders have to comment on Dr. Ambedkar?

A gathering took place at the BJP state office in Bengaluru, led by state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, as part of the ‘Constitution Honour Day’ and ‘Our Constitution, Our Pride’ initiative.

Attendees included BJP National General Secretary B.L. Santhosh, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, Leader of Opposition in the Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, MLC C.T. Ravi, among others.

After the meeting, BJP state Vice President N. Mahesh remarked, "Since the BJP assumed power in 2015, Constitution Day has been observed regularly. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is dedicated to honoring and promoting awareness about the Constitution."

He questioned, "Those who have historically undermined Babasaheb Ambedkar since 1920, who have insulted and defeated him, what right do they possess to discuss Dr. Ambedkar now?"

Mahesh asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP have worked to eliminate disrespect shown towards Dr. Ambedkar and to restore the respect he rightfully deserves.

"Who has amended the Constitution? Who has fortified it? We aim to convey this through our campaign," he added.

A two-month awareness campaign is ongoing, from November 26, the date the Constitution was adopted, until January 26, when it came into effect. Following district-level campaigns, information is now being shared at the zonal level.

To date, there have been 106 amendments to the Constitution, with the BJP responsible for 22 amendments—14 during the tenure of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and 8 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"All these amendments were aimed at empowering SCs, STs, and other backward communities," Mahesh stated.

He challenged Congress leaders to identify a single anti-Constitution or anti-SC/ST amendment made by the BJP, noting that Congress has made 75 amendments.

"In 1951, when a British-appointed government was in power, the first constitutional amendment was enacted by late PM Jawaharlal Nehru, aimed at restricting freedom of expression to control the media," he claimed.

Mahesh criticized Congress for enacting severe amendments during the Emergency, such as the 38th, 39th, 40th, 41st, and 42nd amendments.

"These amendments diminished personal freedom, the right to life, freedom of expression, and judicial independence," he stated.

He also condemned Congress for passing an amendment that shielded the Prime Minister from judicial scrutiny, thereby undermining democracy.

"For 21 months, the Constitution was suspended, and democracy was disrespected. Today, Congress leaders speak about the Constitution," Mahesh concluded.