Karnataka: BJP leaders question Cong's commitment to Ambedkar's legacy

Belagavi: A political storm erupted in Karnataka as BJP leaders launched a strong attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over his open letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah had taken to social media platform X to post an open letter condemning Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament, accusing the Union Minister of disrespecting Dr. Ambedkar.

Reacting sharply, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra accused Siddaramaiah of hypocrisy and questioned the Congress’s commitment to Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.

"Congress, known for its expertise in video editing, has shared a clipped video on social media, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah pretends to show immense admiration for Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The Congress, which repeatedly insulted Dr. Ambedkar during his lifetime and showed indifference even after his demise, is now shedding crocodile tears. Union Home Minister Amit Shah exposed this opportunism in the Lok Sabha through his sharp remarks,” he stated in his post.

Vijayendra pointed fingers at Siddaramaiah and alleged him of sidelining the Dalits.

"Siddaramaiah, who claims to admire Dr. Ambedkar, is no different from Congress leaders who defeated Ambedkar in elections. In 2013, Siddaramaiah himself denied a Dalit leader the opportunity to become Chief Minister, snatching away their chance and ensuring it remained an open truth in the annals of history,” he attacked.

“Even today, Siddaramaiah, carrying the baggage of corruption, has blocked the door for a Dalit to become Chief Minister. He has lost the moral right to speak about Ambedkarism, socialism, or social justice. Funds reserved for the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes were looted and misused for populist schemes under his leadership. Instead of making misleading statements in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's name, Siddaramaiah should implement real programs for the welfare of Dalits and backward communities to cleanse his tarnished image," he added.

Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R. Ashoka, echoed similar sentiments, challenging Siddaramaiah’s authenticity in his admiration for Ambedkar.

"It was your Congress party that defeated Ambedkar in elections, denied him land for his last rites, and chose to award themselves the Bharat Ratna instead of honoring Ambedkar. And now, by twisting and distorting Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech, you have insulted Babasaheb once again," Ashoka remarked in his post.

He further emphasized the BJP’s role in honoring Ambedkar’s legacy, saying, "Had the nation not rejected Congress, today Sonia Gandhi or Rahul Gandhi might have also received the Bharat Ratna, but Ambedkar would not. It took a BJP-supported government to bestow the Bharat Ratna—the highest honor—on Ambedkar. If the people had not rejected the Congress, the five important places associated with Ambedkar—his birthplace, his places of study, and the sites of his final years—would not have been declared Panchatheertha today.”

Ashoka also took a dig at Siddaramaiah for failing to name even a single scheme or program in Karnataka after Dr. Ambedkar during his tenure.

"You can spend crores on ‘Siddaramotsava’ for self-promotion, but you never thought of celebrating ‘Ambedkar Utsava.’ Why? Because Ambedkar matters to you only during elections. While vying for power and pleasing your high command leaders, renaming Indira Canteens to Ambedkar Canteens never even crossed your mind. Why? Because you lack genuine commitment to Ambedkar. In your six-and-a-half years as Chief Minister, have you ever named even one scheme or program after him?" Ashoka questioned.

Calling Siddaramaiah’s actions an “election gimmick,” Ashoka accused him of distorting Amit Shah’s speech for political mileage.

"By distorting Amit Shah’s speech and sharing half-truths in a video, you may attempt to mislead people. But neither you nor your anti-Dalit Congress party can erase the truth about Ambedkar or the Constitution he created. Your so-called admiration for Ambedkar lacks both inner sincerity and outward integrity. It is nothing but election gimmickry, and the entire state knows it," he added.