New Delhi [India], December 24: Congress leader Udit Raj on Tuesday strongly criticized Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravi Shankar Prasad after he accused Congress of hypocrisy regarding the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the protection of SC/ST communities.
Here’s a point-by-point breakdown of the unfolding situation:
- Udit Raj’s Reaction:
Udit Raj slammed Ravi Shankar Prasad for accusing the Congress party of hypocrisy regarding Dr. Ambedkar. He called the BJP’s stance a reflection of their tendency to “speak lies” and shift blame onto others.
He stated, “Ulta chor kotwal ko dante,” meaning the guilty are blaming others for their own wrongdoings. He added that nationwide protests would make the BJP reconsider their approach. - Ravi Shankar Prasad’s Accusations:
On December 23, Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Congress for allegedly forcing Dr. Ambedkar to resign during the elections and for preventing him from building a memorial. He also accused Congress of holding a press conference in Ambedkar’s name while not supporting him during his time of need. - Concerns about SC/ST Safeguards:
Prasad raised concerns over the protection of SC/ST communities, accusing the Congress of failing to provide proper safeguards for these communities. He claimed that only Muslims had received adequate protection in India. - Ambedkar’s Resignation:
Prasad criticized Congress for not allowing Ambedkar to speak when he resigned and for not making his resignation public. He demanded an explanation from Congress about why this had happened. - Modi Government’s Efforts:
Prasad praised the Modi government for honoring Ambedkar with a memorial, contrasting this with the Congress party’s treatment of the Dalit leader during his tenure. - Recognition of Leaders:
He also pointed out that streets and other public spaces were named after leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi but Ambedkar had not received such recognition. - BJP’s Demand for Apology:
Prasad demanded an apology from Congress for allegedly mistreating Ambedkar, saying that this mistreatment was documented in historical papers. He further pointed out that Ambedkar, unlike Congress, was opposed to partition. - BJP’s Respect for Opponents:
In conclusion, Prasad emphasized the difference between BJP’s and Congress’s ideologies. He claimed that the BJP honors even its staunchest political opponents, citing examples of awards given to individuals from opposing camps.
This exchange reflects ongoing political tensions surrounding the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the contrasting narratives of the BJP and Congress.