Is Rahul Gandhi Really the Second Ambedkar?

New Delhi, July 26 (NationPress) A provocative comment made by Congress leader Udit Raj, likening Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to B.R. Ambedkar, has ignited fierce reactions from various political factions. Numerous leaders have dismissed it as a “crude joke” and an “insult” to the architect of the Indian Constitution.

In a message posted on X, Udit Raj stated, “OBCs must realize that history seldom offers chances for advancement repeatedly. They should heed and back what Rahul Gandhi expressed at the Talkatora Stadium conference. If they do this, Rahul Gandhi may emerge as the second Ambedkar for them.”

This comparison quickly escalated into a significant political controversy, attracting broad disapproval.

Several political groups labeled Udit Raj a “victim of mental bankruptcy,” drawing parallels to the era of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Responding to the comment, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar remarked to IANS, “Rahul Gandhi should first strive to be a commendable Indian citizen, contribute meaningfully, and serve the nation and its people.”

“This is not the age of ‘Indira is India, India is Indira.’ Just yesterday, the Chief Minister of Telangana referred to Sonia Gandhi as a deity. It's not as if an individual simply declares themselves ‘god.’ It’s the public that determines the caliber of a political leader,” he elaborated.

JD-U spokesperson Neeraj Kumar offered a harsher critique, stating, “Labeling Rahul Gandhi as the next Ambedkar is a crude jest. Ambedkar was the architect of the Constitution, a visionary, and a highly educated champion against social injustice.”

“Rahul Gandhi himself has acknowledged that his party has neglected the welfare of backward classes. How many more apologies will he issue — for the Emergency, the Sikh riots, and now the oversight of OBCs?” he challenged.

He also urged Congress to publicly release the findings of caste surveys in Telangana and Karnataka.

Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi asserted that Babasaheb Ambedkar's legacy is “unparalleled.”

“He was not only a leader of India but also of the world. While I recognize that Rahul Gandhi is working to uphold the Constitution, regrettably, it is his own party that is undermining him,” Azmi informed IANS.

BJP's Amar Kumar Bauri condemned Udit Raj's remarks as “sycophantic and disgraceful.”

“This is an affront to Ambedkar and a prime illustration of sycophancy. Individuals like Udit Raj, whom we once regarded as advocates for Dalits and who would elevate the community, have sunk so low in their disdain for PM Modi and the BJP, driven by a thirst for power that we never anticipated,” he expressed.

“Rahul Gandhi’s character doesn’t even come close to a fraction of Ambedkar’s greatness. This is the same Rahul Gandhi who dismantles laws enacted by Parliament and undermines constitutional institutions. How can he be equated with Babasaheb Ambedkar? Udit Raj has become a victim of mental bankruptcy,” Bauri added.

The RJD, however, distanced itself from the controversy. Party spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari remarked to IANS, “We haven’t fully grasped what was said. These were his personal opinions. The Congress party is better suited to respond.”