Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Congress party on Saturday for not properly recognizing the contributions of B.R. Ambedkar, while also addressing opposition claims that minorities in India are being denied their rights. During a debate in the Lok Sabha to commemorate 75 years since the adoption of the Indian Constitution, Rijiju cautioned that “our words and actions should not tarnish the image of the country on global platforms.”
Rijiju was the first speaker on the second day of discussions in the Lower House. He pointed out that India has granted equal voting rights to all citizens, yet some continue to argue that minorities are deprived of their rights, seemingly aimed at the opposition.
In a speech lasting over an hour, Rijiju suggested that the Congress party should offer an “apology” to Ambedkar to address its historical shortcomings. He accused the Congress of contributing to Ambedkar’s defeat in the 1952 parliamentary elections. He also questioned the delay in awarding Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna, stating that he received India’s highest civilian honor only after a government backed by the BJP came to power.
Rijiju further referenced Ambedkar’s criticism of Jawaharlal Nehru, claiming that despite delivering over 2,000 speeches in 20 years, Nehru never once addressed the welfare of Scheduled Castes. He quoted Ambedkar, stating, “Pandit Nehru is always for Muslims.”
Additionally, Rijiju shared that Ambedkar advocated for reservations to continue indefinitely until true equality was achieved, whereas Nehru proposed limiting such measures to 10 years.
Responding to claims made by several opposition leaders about shrinking rights for minorities, Rijiju argued that India not only offers legal protection to minorities but also implements affirmative actions to safeguard their interests. He acknowledged that while the Congress party has played a role in promoting minority welfare, successive governments have worked towards this goal.
The minister highlighted that minorities, including Muslims, face discrimination and hate crimes in several countries around the world, particularly in neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, where minorities are often persecuted. According to Rijiju, many groups seek refuge in India because they view the nation as a safe haven, raising his concerns about the narratives suggesting that minority rights are under threat in India.
