Mangaluru: Ambedkar and Constitution should not be used as tools, says BL Santhosh

Mangaluru: BJP National General Secretary BL Santhosh criticized the Congress for “disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during his lifetime” and now using him as a mere tool for political gain.

Speaking at the inaugural event of the Samvidhana Samman program and the book release of “Samvidhana Badalayisiddu Yaaru?” (Who Amended the Constitution?), he accused the Congress of exploiting Ambedkar’s legacy.

Santhosh emphasized, “A mother should not become a tool for her child, similarly, neither Dr. Ambedkar nor the Indian Constitution should be used as tools by anyone. Such acts will neither be forgiven by time, society, nor divine powers. In the current scenario, such attempts are bound to fail.”

He further alleged that in 1952, during Ambedkar’s contest in the general elections, then-Prime Minister Nehru “campaigned twice in Ambedkar’s constituency” to ensure his defeat. In the Bhandara by-election, Congress worked to push Ambedkar to third place. When Ambedkar passed away in 1957 in Delhi’s Alipur, his funeral arrangements were not supported, and his wife was asked to vacate their residence within six months, he added.

Santhosh accused Nehru and Indira Gandhi of never recommending Ambedkar for the Bharat Ratna award during their tenures. “It was only due to pressure from other political parties that Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1990, during the tenure of Prime Minister V.P. Singh.” He also alleged that other dignitaries were denied posthumous recognition in Delhi, including leaders like Sitaram Kesari and P.V. Narasimha Rao, both of whom belonged to Congress.

Santhosh contrasted this with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to honor Ambedkar. “PM Modi has made Ambedkar’s legacy eternal by declaring his birthplace, education center, site of initiation, place of nirvana, and cremation site as Panchteerth and developing them as centers of homage,” he stated.

Santhosh concluded by accusing Congress of treating Ambedkar as if they had “leased his legacy” for their convenience, criticizing their approach as “insincere.”