Tue Dec 24 13:27:09 UTC 2024: ## Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Disrespecting B.R. Ambedkar’s Legacy
**Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh –** Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a blistering attack on the Congress party Tuesday, accusing it of repeatedly disrespecting B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution, both during his lifetime and posthumously. Addressing a press conference, Adityanath claimed that even India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, opposed Ambedkar’s inclusion in the Constitution’s Drafting Committee.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come in the wake of recent controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on Ambedkar. Adityanath also targeted the Samajwadi Party (SP), alleging they mirrored the Congress’s alleged disrespect for Dalits and marginalized communities. He notably omitted mention of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), which also protested Shah’s statement.
Adityanath contrasted the BJP’s purported reverence for Ambedkar, citing the creation of memorials across India and the awarding of the Bharat Ratna (only achieved during a BJP-supported government, he claimed), with the Congress’s alleged history of marginalizing Ambedkar. He cited specific instances, including the Congress’s purported reluctance to include Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly, a derogatory cartoon of Ambedkar in a textbook published during the UPA regime, and alleged efforts to defeat Ambedkar in elections.
He further accused the Congress and SP of unconstitutional behavior in Parliament, alleging they attacked BJP MPs and tore bills concerning SC/ST and women’s rights. Adityanath defended Union Minister Amit Shah, stating that his comments were selectively presented to create controversy and hide the opposition parties’ own alleged misdeeds. He demanded apologies from the Congress and SP for creating what he termed a “schism of hatred” in the country.
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