Congress Counters PM Modi’s “Votebank” Charge, Labels BJP as Enemies of Babasaheb
Key Highlights:
A major political face-off unfolded on Ambedkar Jayanti 2025, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hitting back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for accusing the party of “spreading vote bank politics” and “destroying the Constitution.” Kharge, in a pointed press conference in New Delhi, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being the “enemies of Babasaheb then and now.”
The sharp rebuttal came in response to Modi’s speech in Hisar, Haryana, where he alleged that the Congress opposed the Waqf Amendment Act and historically disrespected Ambedkar’s ideology.
Congress Response to Modi Waqf Remark: 7 Strong Counterattacks
- “Enemies of Babasaheb” Label: Kharge accused BJP of opposing Ambedkar even during his lifetime and attempting to co-opt his legacy now.
- Ambedkar’s Conversion to Buddhism: He reminded that right-wing Hindu organisations disapproved of Ambedkar’s religious choices, calling him an “untouchable.”
- Republican Party vs Hindu Mahasabha: Kharge cited history where Ambedkar’s political ventures were actively opposed by the Hindu right.
- SC/ST/OBC Rights in Women’s Reservation: Congress claimed they pushed for caste-based inclusion during the Women’s Reservation Bill but BJP did not accept the demand.
- Questions on BJP’s Adoption of Ambedkar’s Ideals: “Which of Babasaheb’s principles has BJP adopted?” Kharge asked.
- Congress Demands Concrete Action, Not Just Rhetoric: He said BJP only attacks Congress without showing what it has actually implemented from Ambedkar’s ideology.
- Congress Stance on Real Social Justice: The party insisted that true justice lies in reservations, representation, and welfare, not just amendments to land laws.
Ambedkar Jayanti Sparks Ideological Debate
April 14 marked Dr BR Ambedkar’s 135th birth anniversary, a day observed across the country to remember the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Both the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress have used the occasion to project themselves as the true inheritors of Ambedkar’s legacy.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi stated:
“Congress is the destroyer of Constitutions. Babasaheb wanted every backward citizen to live with dignity, but Congress spread the virus of vote bank politics.”
Waqf Amendment Act: A Political Flashpoint
The newly passed Waqf (Amendment) Act has become the center of this fresh BJP-Congress clash. PM Modi alleged that land belonging to SCs, STs, and OBCs was being encroached upon by Waqf Boards, and that the amendment will end the “loot of land” and restore rights to the poor and marginalised.
In contrast, Congress has questioned the timing, intent, and execution of the law, with Kharge saying:
“Instead of working for real land reform or helping the poor, BJP is playing optics with Babasaheb’s name.”
Kharge Calls for Proactive Social Justice
Kharge reiterated the Congress party’s long-standing demand for reservation within women’s reservation, especially for SC, ST, and OBC women.
“When the Women’s Reservation Bill was passed two years ago, we demanded it be implemented immediately with quota for the backward classes. This is what Babasaheb stood for – equity, not tokenism,” Kharge said.
He added that the Ahmedabad Convention of Congress had resolved to launch a nationwide campaign for this demand.
Congress vs BJP: Competing Narratives on Ambedkar
This Ambedkar Jayanti has highlighted the deep ideological differences between India’s two biggest political parties:
| Topic | BJP’s Narrative | Congress’s Rebuttal |
|---|---|---|
| Waqf Act | Ends vote bank politics, protects poor | Law is politically timed; doesn’t reflect Ambedkar’s full vision |
| Ambedkar’s Legacy | BJP is fulfilling his dream through development | BJP disrespected him historically and is now whitewashing history |
| SC/ST/OBC Empowerment | Jan Dhan, piped water, legal protection | Reservation and representation still not addressed by BJP |
| Women’s Rights | BJP passed Women’s Bill | Congress wanted SC/ST/OBC quota in it |
What This Means for Voters
This political clash is not just rhetorical—it influences policy, public discourse, and voter sentiment. For voters, especially from Dalit, tribal, and backward communities, the debate around Ambedkar’s true legacy is essential in evaluating party positions on:
- Land rights and legal protections
- Reservation policies and implementation
- Cultural and religious freedom
- Welfare schemes and representation in governance
Ambedkar Jayanti 2025 Becomes Ground Zero for Ideological Showdown
What was expected to be a solemn tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar has evolved into a high-voltage political exchange. With PM Modi asserting that Congress insulted Ambedkar, and Kharge accusing BJP of distorting history, the day’s focus shifted from commemoration to confrontation.
As both parties invoke Ambedkar’s ideals, the public is left to judge who truly upholds the vision of equality, dignity, and constitutional justice that Babasaheb gave his life to protect.
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