Srinagar, Jan 19: BJP leader and J&K spokesperson Altaf Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing it of repeatedly disrespecting and sidelining Dr. BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution.
Thakur cited an incident following Ambedkar’s demise in December 1956, alleging that the Congress government at the time displayed complete indifference by making his family bear the expense of transporting his body by air. He claimed this blatant neglect revealed the Congress’s lack of respect for Ambedkar and his contributions to the nation.
Thakur did not hold back in criticizing the Congress for what he described as its long history of hypocrisy toward Ambedkar. “The Congress party, which ignored Dr. Ambedkar throughout his life, is now shedding crocodile tears and attempting to appropriate his legacy. They sidelined him, obstructed his reforms, and failed to give him the recognition he deserved. Today, they have no moral right to celebrate Samvidhan Diwas or claim to uphold the Constitution, as they disrespected its very architect,” Thakur said.
He also slammed the Congress for undermining Ambedkar’s vision of social justice and equality, accusing the party of doing little to uplift Dalits and other marginalized communities during its decades-long rule. “Ambedkar fought tirelessly for the rights of the oppressed and envisioned a society based on equality and justice, but Congress prioritized its dynastic politics and ignored his ideals,” he remarked.
Thakur contrasted this with the BJP’s efforts to honor Ambedkar’s legacy, citing initiatives like the development of Panch Teerth, which commemorates five significant sites associated with Ambedkar’s life, and various welfare schemes aimed at empowering the marginalized. He emphasized that the BJP has taken concrete steps to fulfill Ambedkar’s dream of a just and inclusive society, unlike the Congress, which he accused of using his name merely for political optics.
