Wed Dec 25 10:50:38 UTC 2024: ## Modi Accuses Congress of Ignoring Ambedkar’s Contributions, Launches Major Water Project

**Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress party Wednesday, accusing it of neglecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy and prioritizing a single family’s narrative. This comes amidst a controversy sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent comments on Ambedkar, which have drawn sharp criticism from the Congress.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Ken-Betwa River Interlinking Project in Madhya Pradesh, Modi lauded Ambedkar’s visionary role in strengthening India’s water resources and dam construction, highlighting his contributions to the Central Water Commission. He contrasted this with what he described as the Congress party’s consistent failure to prioritize water conservation and recognition of Ambedkar’s efforts in this field. Modi stated that the Congress’s approach to governance hindered vital water projects, delaying them for decades.

The Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of water security in the 21st century, asserting that nations with effective water management will lead the way. His remarks echoed similar criticism leveled against the Congress by the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam.

The Congress responded by accusing the BJP of being anti-democratic and anti-constitutional, claiming the party and its affiliates are intolerant of democracy and the Constitution. The controversy originated last week with Shah’s statement in Parliament that invoking Ambedkar’s name had become a mere trend.

Beyond the political sparring, Modi also virtually inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project in Khandwa and laid the foundation stone for the Daudhan Irrigation Project, part of the Ken-Betwa link. This project, costing an estimated ₹44,605 crore, is expected to provide drinking water to nearly 65 lakh people and benefit 7.18 lakh agricultural families across Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The event also included the release of a commemorative stamp and coin honoring former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose birth centenary was also observed Wednesday. The Prime Minister further performed the groundbreaking ceremony for 1,153 ‘Atal Gram Sewa Sadans’.

Read More