UP CM Yogi Adityanath Slams Congress Over Ambedkar Row: 'Nehru Didn't Want Him In Constituent Assembly'

Amidst row over Amit Shah's remarks, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath defended the government's respect for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, accusing the Congress and other opposition parties of disrespecting him.

File Photo of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Source : PTI

Amid the ongoing political tussle following Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on Dr B.R. Ambedkar during the Winter Session of Parliament, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday came out in defence of the government while sharply criticising the Congress and other opposition parties. His remarks were made during a press conference where he accused the opposition of consistently disrespecting Dr Ambedkar and exploiting the situation for political gains.

Highlighting Dr Ambedkar's contributions, Adityanath said, “During India's independence and as a free nation, Ambedkar ji made immense contributions. He overcame social barriers, pursued education, and illuminated India through his knowledge. As the architect of the Constitution, he commands respect from all.”

"Baba Saheb played an important role during the independence of the country and the creation of the Constitution. Every Indian has a feeling of reverence and respect for Baba Saheb... The Bharatiya Janata Party has worked to build the country of Baba Saheb's dreams. The Bharatiya Janata Party has given respect to Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar," he remarked.

The Chief Minister accused Congress and other opposition parties of unethical and unconstitutional behaviour, stating, “Time and again, Baba Saheb Ambedkar was insulted by Congress and other opposition parties. Despite his significant role in India’s independence and Constitution drafting, they have shown disrespect towards him.”

Adityanath alleged that Congress, under Pandit Nehru, sought to prevent Dr Ambedkar from being part of the Constituent Assembly and the Drafting Committee. “Nehru did not want Ambedkar to be part of the Constituent Assembly. It was only after Mahatma Gandhi's intervention that he was made the chairperson of the Drafting Committee,” he said.

Referencing a controversial illustration published during the UPA era, he remarked, “A depiction of Ambedkar being whipped by Nehru was printed in a book. After protests, Kapil Sibal had to apologise. This shows Congress’s historical disregard for Ambedkar.”

VIDEO | "Whatever work is being done by the NDA govt under the leadership of Modi ji, in which, for the first time, Dalit and deprived are becoming a part of the administration... Congress forced the country to partition. Who doesn't know that Pandit Nehru didn't want Bhimrao… pic.twitter.com/VXCJI1kdxV

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 24, 2024

He remarked that Congress campaigned against Ambedkar in elections and did not let his memorial be built.

Defending the BJP, Yogi Adityanath emphasised that the party has honoured Dr Ambedkar’s legacy. “Whether it was Atal ji’s government or the current government led by Prime Minister Modi, Baba Saheb has always been respected. The development of Ambedkar’s five sacred sites (Panch Teerth) was undertaken by BJP governments.”

He added that the government built a memorial in England, where Dr Ambedkar pursued his education, and extended dignity to Dalits and marginalised communities. Adityanath also praised the Modi-led NDA government for initiatives like housing for every family, health insurance, and ration distribution for 80 crore people.

'Memorials Dedicated To Icons Of Social Justice Were Demolished': UP CM Adityanath Slams Samajwadi Party  

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of dismantling structures named after leaders associated with social justice. “In their government, memorials dedicated to icons of social justice were demolished, and names were removed from institutions like the Kanshi Ram Language University and Saharanpur Medical College,” he alleged.

Referring to the controversy over Amit Shah’s remarks, Adityanath said, “The statement is being presented incompletely to mislead society. This is an attempt to divert attention from their misdeeds. The opposition’s animosity towards Dalits and marginalised communities continues even today.”

The Chief Minister accused Congress of prioritising the Muslim community over Dalits. “Congress’s history involves appeasement politics. Under their government, the Prime Minister said Muslims have the first right over the country's resources. Don’t Dalits have any rights?” he asked.

Adityanath concluded by pointing to BJP’s efforts to unite and uplift marginalised communities, citing the election of India’s first Dalit and ST women Presidents as examples.