Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of the Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship, aimed at facilitating higher education for Dalit students. The scheme promises financial support for Dalit students who secure admission to prestigious universities worldwide.
Kejriwal, addressing a public gathering, stated, “No person from the Dalit community should be deprived of higher education due to financial constraints. The Delhi government will bear the expenses for Dalit students admitted to top global universities.”
The scholarship will also extend to Dalit government employees seeking further education opportunities.
A Political Undertone
The announcement comes amid a controversy sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha about Dr. BR Ambedkar. Kejriwal criticized Shah and the BJP, framing the scholarship as a response to what he termed “disrespect” towards Dr. Ambedkar.
He said, “This scholarship is our answer to Amit Shah and the BJP, who disrespected Dr. Ambedkar.”
Nationwide Protests Called by BSP
The Ambedkar row has led to a nationwide protest call by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati. She announced peaceful demonstrations across district headquarters on December 24, demanding Amit Shah’s apology and retraction of his statement.
Mayawati, in her posts on X, said, “The BSP demands that the Home Minister retracts his statement and apologizes. If the demand is not met, a nationwide peaceful dharna will be held on December 24.”
Opposition Alliance Joins the Fray
Adding to the political pressure, Rahul Gandhi and MPs from the INDIA alliance held protests within the Parliament complex, calling for Shah’s resignation and an apology.
The political standoff reflects the enduring significance of Dr. BR Ambedkar’s legacy in Indian politics and the heightened sensitivities surrounding caste-related issues. While AAP has sought to position itself as a champion of Dalit empowerment through initiatives like the Dr. Ambedkar Scholarship, the BJP faces growing criticism over its handling of the Ambedkar controversy.