The relationship between B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of India’s Constitution and a champion for Dalit rights, and the Hindu nationalist organizations Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has undergone significant transformation over the decades. Initially marked by skepticism and ideological divergence, this relationship has evolved into one of reverence and strategic alignment.
Early Skepticism and Ideological Differences
In the mid-20th century, during the drafting of the Indian Constitution, the RSS and its affiliates expressed reservations about Ambedkar’s vision. The RSS’s mouthpiece, Organiser, criticized the Constitution for lacking indigenous elements, favoring instead the ancient legal text, Manusmriti, which Ambedkar vehemently opposed due to its discriminatory principles against lower castes. This period was characterized by mutual distrust, with Ambedkar viewing the RSS’s Hindu nationalist agenda as antithetical to his advocacy for social justice and equality.
Shift Towards Engagement
The 1980s and 1990s marked a period of political pragmatism for the BJP, the political arm of the RSS. Recognizing Ambedkar’s enduring legacy and his influence among Dalit communities, the BJP began to incorporate his symbols and rhetoric into their political strategy. This shift was partly driven by the need to expand the party’s base beyond its traditional upper-caste support, aiming to include marginalized communities.
Strategic Appropriation and Symbolic Gestures
In the 21st century, the BJP and RSS have actively sought to align themselves with Ambedkar’s legacy. This is evident through various initiatives, such as the commemoration of Ambedkar’s birth anniversary, the development of memorials in his honor, and the promotion of policies ostensibly aimed at uplifting Dalit communities. These actions serve a dual purpose: acknowledging Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s socio-political fabric and countering criticisms of the BJP’s and RSS’s historical stance on caste issues.
Contemporary Controversies and Critiques
Despite these overtures, tensions persist. Recent remarks by senior BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, have been perceived as diminishing Ambedkar’s contributions, leading to protests and demands for apologies from opposition parties. Critics argue that while the BJP and RSS publicly venerate Ambedkar, their policies and ideological underpinnings continue to reflect upper-caste hegemony, thereby undermining the very principles Ambedkar championed.
Conclusion
The evolution of the RSS and BJP’s relationship with B.R. Ambedkar illustrates a shift from initial ideological opposition to strategic reverence. While the BJP’s outreach efforts have helped elevate Ambedkar’s profile, they have also invited scrutiny and criticism from those who view these efforts as opportunistic.
The question remains: can the BJP reconcile its ideological roots with Ambedkar’s vision of social justice, or will its engagement with Ambedkar remain confined to the realm of symbolism? As India grapples with issues of caste inequality and social justice, the answers to these questions will shape the country’s socio-political landscape for years to come.