New Delhi, Apr 14 (PTI) BJP national president Nitin Nabin on Tuesday paid tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, saying his ideals of social justice, inclusion and empowerment continue to guide the country’s development.
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of the architect of the Indian Constitution, Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all the people of India, Nabin said while paying floral tribute at the BJP headquarters here.
“Dr Ambedkar’s life was dedicated to reforming society, promoting education and ensuring participation of all sections. Even today, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi works towards building a new India, the relevance of his ideals remains intact,” he said.
PM Modi is working towards building a “new India” in line with Ambedkar’s vision, ensuring participation of all sections of society and focusing on the welfare of the last person, Nabin added.
“Dr Ambedkar’s life was dedicated to reforming society, promoting education and ensuring participation of all sections of society. Even today, in the process of building a new India, his ideals remain highly relevant.
“I believe that the way he emphasised participation for all in the Constitution, ensured rights for women and worked to give a voice to every section of society continues to inspire and motivate people across the country,” Nabin said.
Targeting the Congress, he alleged that the party and the Nehru-Gandhi family failed to accord due respect to Ambedkar for decades and even attempted to defeat him in elections.
“There was a time in this country when recognition was largely confined to the Nehru-Gandhi family. Even after 60 years of independence, the architect of the Constitution did not receive due respect,” the BJP chief said.
“It was only when a BJP-supported government came to power that Dr Ambedkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna, whereas earlier members of the Nehru-Gandhi family had conferred it upon themselves,” he added.
Nabin said that if the Congress party had truly imbibed Ambedkar’s ideals, it would have been revered in the country.
“Today, those same people claim to uphold the Constitution. I say that if they had truly embraced Dr Ambedkar’s ideals and worked on them for decades, they would have been revered across the country instead of merely professing their attachment to the Constitution,” he said.
He also claimed that Ambedkar was “insulted” under the Jawaharlal Nehru regime.
“I also believe that Dr Ambedkar was repeatedly insulted during the elections of 1952 and 1954 under Jawaharlal Nehru. The country will remember how attempts were made to defeat him, including alleged manipulation of voter lists in his constituency,” Nabin said.
He said the BJP and its governments, including under former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, took steps to honour Ambedkar’s legacy, citing initiatives such as the Bharat Ratna and expansion of education.
Highlighting the Modi government’s efforts, he referred to the development of “Panch Teerth” associated with Ambedkar and initiatives aimed at women’s empowerment, including the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.
“Today, under Prime Minister Modi, efforts have been made not only to honour his ideas but also to respond to those who failed to respect him earlier. The development of the ‘Panch Teerth’, including sites in India and abroad associated with Dr Ambedkar, has brought pride to the entire nation and his followers,” he said.
Nabin added that the Modi government will fulfil another of Ambedkar’s dreams related to women’s empowerment through the early implementation of the Nari Vandan Act, strengthening women’s participation.
“Dr Ambedkar strongly advocated women’s empowerment, education and participation. I believe that in the coming time, the Modi government will fulfil another of his dreams by strengthening women’s participation through upcoming initiatives like the Nari Vandan legislation,” he said, referring to a special session scheduled from April 16 to 18 to amend the law for its implementation in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Nabin also invoked the concept of “Antyodaya” of Deendayal Upadhyaya, asserting that the government is committed to taking development benefits to the poorest. PTI ADI NB NB
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