On the occasion of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the Narendra Modi government of paying only “lip service” to Ambedkar’s legacy while failing to take concrete steps to fulfill his vision for India. Kharge claimed that the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) were “enemies” of the architect of India’s Constitution, and he criticized them for not upholding Ambedkar’s ideals.
Kharge specifically hit back at Prime Minister Modi, who had recently criticized Congress’s treatment of Ambedkar. He cited a letter from Ambedkar in which the latter blamed communist leader S.A. Dange and Hindutva ideologue V.D. Savarkar for his defeat in the 1952 elections. “The Modi government takes the name of Ambedkar but is not ready to fulfil his aspirations and wishes. They only pay lip service,” Kharge remarked.
During his address, Kharge said there’s need for a nationwide caste census and the implementation of reservation for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in private educational institutions. He also stressed the importance of implementing the fundamental guarantees provided under Article 15(5), which Congress introduced in 2006 to provide reservations for these communities in private educational institutions. Kharge urged the government to act swiftly on these promises.
“We are Indians, firstly and lastly."
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) April 14, 2025
~ Babasaheb Ambedkar
Our most humble tribute to India's emancipator – our inspiration who fought for equity and social justice of all Indians. The outstanding visionary who contributed immensely to nation building – the Architect of… pic.twitter.com/Lv0CbOrZu7
He criticized the Centre’s reliance on the 2011 Census, pointing out that the 2021 Census—which could offer a clearer picture of socio-economic progress—has not yet been conducted. “Policies are made on the basis of the Census. We demand that along with the general Census, a caste census should also be conducted to know how much each section has progressed,” Kharge said.
Kharge further attacked the BJP and RSS, accusing them of having historically opposed Ambedkar and his work. He recalled how, after Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism, Hindu organizations criticized him for being from the Mahar community, labeling him an untouchable. “They said that now Buddha has been made an untouchable,” Kharge said, stressing that Ambedkar faced opposition from these groups throughout his life.
Kharge also took issue with the timing of the function to offer floral tributes to Ambedkar’s statue inside Parliament. He claimed that the event was rescheduled to accommodate Prime Minister Modi’s schedule. Although Modi did pay tribute at the statue, Kharge noted that he skipped another event inside the Central Hall, where Ambedkar’s portrait was to be honored.
In response to Modi’s criticism of Congress for allegedly insulting Ambedkar, Kharge countered by questioning what actions the BJP has taken to honor Ambedkar’s principles. “They speak against Congress, Nehru-ji, and even me, but I ask what have they done till now? Which of Babasaheb’s principles have they adopted?” he asked.
In closing, Kharge reaffirmed that Congress remains committed to the protection of constitutional values set forth by Ambedkar, underscoring the party’s dedication to social justice and equality. He also demanded the immediate implementation of the Women’s Reservation Bill, with a separate quota for SC, ST, and OBC women.
