BJP should follow Ambedkar’s ideals, not misuse his legacy: HPCC spokesperson

Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Sandeep Sankhyan on Tuesday criticised the BJP for what he termed as the party’s “selective homage” to Dr BR Ambedkar, urging its leaders to genuinely embrace his values rather than using his legacy for political gain.

Speaking at a press conference in Bilaspur, Sankhyan said BJP leaders were hosting events to commemorate Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, yet failing to honour his contributions in spirit. He alleged that at a recent function held in Samoh village of Jhundtta constituency—organised nearly a week after Ambedkar Jayanti — BJP leaders spent more time attacking the Congress than reflecting on Ambedkar’s ideology.

“It’s unfortunate that instead of discussing Dr Ambedkar’s vision and lifelong struggle for equality, BJP leaders chose to spread misinformation about the Congress and its welfare initiatives,” Sankhyan said.

He also took aim at the BJP’s performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, calling the party’s “Abki Baar, 400 Paar” slogan a massive failure. “The BJP, which once vowed to make India Congress-free, is now struggling to maintain its strength in Parliament,” he remarked.

Criticising former CM Jai Ram Thakur, who attended the Samoh event as chief guest, Sankhyan noted that Thakur failed to mention Ambedkar’s teachings or ideology in his address. “It seemed as though the former CM is still coming to terms with his Assembly election defeat and is lashing out at Congress out of frustration,” he said.

Sankhyan further stated that it was the Congress that first recognised Dr Ambedkar’s capabilities by appointing him as India’s first Law Minister. “It was Dr Ambedkar who lit the torch of equality, challenging conservative mindsets and paving the way for social justice,” he said. “His vision gave equal opportunities to Dalits, the deprived and minorities, helping them integrate into the mainstream of Indian society.”

Himachal Tribune