Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress party, did not hold back during his speech on April 14, 2025, as he accused the Modi government of neglecting the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Standing alongside Sonia Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, Kharge made it clear that the BJP-RSS were seen as enemies of the architect of the Constitution.
The Accusations and Demands
In a powerful statement to the press, Kharge highlighted the discrepancies between the government’s actions and Ambedkar’s aspirations. He referenced a letter in which Ambedkar pointed fingers at S.A. Dange and V.D. Savarkar for his defeat in the 1952 elections, illustrating the ongoing neglect of Ambedkar’s ideals.
Kharge emphasized the urgent need for a nationwide caste census and the implementation of reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in private educational institutions. He stressed that these actions are crucial to ensuring social justice and equitable opportunities for all marginalized communities.
The Call for Action and Change
Furthermore, Kharge shed light on the Congress party’s efforts to promote social justice and uphold the principles laid out by Ambedkar in the Constitution. He reiterated the party’s commitment to five key issues, including the demand for a caste census, removal of the 50% quota cap, and the implementation of Article 15(5) to provide reservations in private educational institutions.
Kharge boldly stated that the government’s reliance on outdated census data from 2011 is hindering progress and perpetuating inequality. He called for an immediate caste census to accurately assess the development of different social groups and inform policy decisions effectively.
The Path Forward and Challenges Ahead
Kharge also emphasized the importance of enacting a central law for the SC/ST sub-plan and ensuring adequate budget allocations in alignment with their population size. He reiterated the need to eliminate the 50% ceiling on reservations to provide greater opportunities for historically marginalized communities.
Moreover, Kharge highlighted the delay in implementing the Women’s Reservation Bill and emphasized the necessity of including quotas for SC, ST, and OBC women. He criticized the Modi government for merely paying lip service to Ambedkar’s legacy without taking concrete actions to fulfill his aspirations and wishes.
In conclusion, Kharge’s impassioned address on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality in India. The Congress party’s unwavering commitment to upholding Ambedkar’s vision and principles resonates strongly in the face of systemic challenges and political resistance. As the nation grapples with issues of caste discrimination and unequal access to opportunities, Kharge’s words serve as a rallying cry for change and progress.
