New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday criticized the Congress party, accusing it of harboring “hatred and anger” towards BR Ambedkar and claiming that it only raises the slogan of ‘Jai Bhim’ out of political necessity.
While replying to the motion of thanks on the President’s Address in the Rajya Sabha, PM Modi alleged that Congress deliberately worked to defeat Ambedkar in elections due to its animosity towards him. He further accused the party of failing to confer the Bharat Ratna upon Babasaheb Ambedkar.
“It is well documented how much anger and hatred Congress had towards Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. They felt irritated with his words. Due to this anger, they did everything to defeat Babasaheb in the two elections (1952, 1954). They did not consider Babasaheb worthy of the Bharat Ratna. Today, due to compulsions, they are having to raise the slogan of ‘Jai Bhim’. Congress is expert in changing colours. This can be clearly seen,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also accused Congress of destabilizing elected governments during its tenure in power at the Centre. He asserted that instead of focusing on its own improvement, Congress is more engaged in obstructing the progress of others.
“Congress destabilised the governments. Because their motto remains, ‘Dusre ki lakeer chhoti karo (to limit others)’. This is why Congress’ condition is like this. The country’s grand-old party, connected with the freedom struggle, and this is their plight? Aap apni lakeer lambi karne main mehnat kijiye to kabhi na kabhi desh apko bhi ye 10 meter dur yahan ane ka avsar degi [If they had focused on their own growth, they would have eventually gotten a chance to be in power],” PM Modi remarked.
He further alleged that attempts were being made to spread “caste poison” in society.
“Today, attempts are being made to spread caste poison in the society… For many years, OBC MPs from all parties have been demanding constitutional status for the OBC Panel. But their demand was rejected, as it might not have suited their (Congress) politics. But we gave constitutional status to this panel,” PM Modi said.
Following the debate, the Rajya Sabha adopted the motion of thanks to the President’s address.