BJP, Congress spar over Ambedkar idealogies

B R Ambedkar’s 123rd birth anniversary on Monday witnessed a political slug fest as the Congress and the BJP attacked each other over following the ideals set by the architect of the Indian Constitution.

While the Congress alleged that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi has deliberately ignored the welfare of Dalits in his state, the BJP prime ministerial candidate hit back by charging the grand old party with seeking to pocket the credit for empowering Dalits.

“It is unfortunate that the Gandhi family has stopped the implementation of rights given by Ambedkar. You are now taking credit for giving rights and enacting laws but Soniaji and Shehzaadeji (Rahul Gandhi), can you tell me who has snatched Prime Minister’s right of free speech. The country wants to know which lock you have put on Manmohan Singh’s mouth,” Modi said.

Modi’s comments come against the backdrop of revelations made by former PM media adviser Sanjaya Baru in his book that suggest that Sonia Gandhi’s instructions were sought for clearing all files and decisions were taken by her.

The Congress alleged that Modi has described Dalits as “mentally retarded children” in books he authored in the past.