Narendra Modi on B.R. Ambedkar
Narendra Modi holds B.R. Ambedkar in very high regard, often invoking his name and ideals, particularly on occasions like Ambedkar Jayanti (birth anniversary) and Mahaparinirvan Diwas (death anniversary). Modi frames Ambedkar's life and struggle for equality and human dignity as a foundational inspiration for the governance of his administration over the last decade. He asserts that every decision and scheme of his government is dedicated to fulfilling the vision of Dr. Ambedkar for the upliftment of the poor, deprived, and marginalized communities, including SC, ST, and OBCs.
Modi frequently leverages his reverence for Ambedkar to draw a sharp contrast with the Congress party. He accuses the Congress of having actively humiliated Ambedkar by ensuring his electoral defeats while he was alive and then trying to erase his ideas posthumously. By positioning himself as the true inheritor and implementer of Ambedkar's constitutional vision, Modi seeks to appropriate a key historical figure in the fight against caste discrimination.
Furthermore, Modi's government has undertaken tangible steps to honour Ambedkar's memory, such as developing key sites linked to his life into Panchteerths (five pilgrimage sites). These actions are presented as correcting the historical neglect by previous regimes, underscoring Modi's commitment to Ambedkar's principles of social justice and strengthening democratic values within India's journey toward becoming a developed nation.
Context
The focus on B.R. Ambedkar is politically significant for Narendra Modi and the BJP as Ambedkar, a Dalit icon, is a pivotal figure in the political discourse surrounding social justice and the rights of historically disadvantaged communities. By claiming ideological lineage with Ambedkar, Modi seeks to solidify support among these demographics and counter the narrative that the BJP follows an exclusionary agenda.
Ambedkar's role as the chief architect of the Constitution of India also makes his endorsement, even posthumously, vital for framing the current administration's actions—including constitutional amendments—as being in the spirit of the founding document he created.
Actions Taken
- Infrastructure and MemorializationDeveloped five key sites linked to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's life into pilgrimage sites, referred to as Panchteerths.
- Event CommemorationFlagged off a flight from Hisar to Ayodhya on Ambedkar Jayanti, linking the day's observance with government connectivity initiatives.
Key Quotes
"Congress humiliated Baba Saheb Ambedkar while he was alive, ensuring his electoral defeats and conspiring to keep him out of the system," said Modi. "And when he was no longer among us, they tried to eliminate even his ideas. Congress has become the predator of the Constitution."
"Remembering the great Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His thoughts and ideals continue to give strength to millions. We are committed to fulfilling the dreams he had for our nation,"
"His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey. He inspired generations to uphold human dignity and strengthen democratic values. May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat,"
'His life message has been the inspiration behind our 11 years of government. Every decision and scheme is dedicated to Baba Saheb Ambedkar.'
Comparison
- Congress Party: Modi consistently contrasts his reverence for Ambedkar with the Congress party, whom he accuses of deliberate political marginalization of Ambedkar during his lifetime and subsequent attempts to suppress his ideals.
- BJP Ideology: By frequently citing Ambedkar alongside his Hindutva alignment, Modi attempts to bridge the gap between the BJP's right-wing ideology and the constitutional egalitarianism championed by Ambedkar.
Sources5
PM Narendra Modi slams Congress on B R Ambedkar: 'Humiliated when alive, tried to erase legacy after death'
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.