Need to spread awareness about Gandhi, Nehru, Ambedkar to combat BJP's falsehoods, says Karnataka minister

'BJP continuously insults these great minds, attempting to erase their legacy from history. There is a need to educate people about them,' PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi said.

Mangaluru: Just as the principles of Buddha and Basavanna have reached every household, the thoughts of Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, and B R Ambedkar must also be spread, said Karnatka PWD minister Satish Jarkiholi on Tuesday, adding that awareness campaigns need to be held to this end.

Speaking during a seminar on Mahatma Gandhi, Dr B R Ambedkar, and Jawaharlal Nehru organised by the Nehru Vichara Vedike at Ambedkar Bhavan, he said, "Gandhiji’s principle of non-violence is an example to the world, Ambedkar safeguarded us through the Constitution, and Nehru’s visionary politics fostered scientific temperament, making India a global leader. However, BJP continuously insults these great minds, attempting to erase their legacy from history. There is a need to educate people about them.”

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Brijesh Kalappa stressed the need to counter the misinformation spread about these leaders. “RSS and BJP systematically create confusion by questioning Gandhi, Nehru, and Ambedkar to halt rational discussion. We must respond by questioning them in return. For instance, if they ask why Nehru was made the Prime Minister, we should ask why BJP chose Modi over senior leaders like L K Advani, J P Nadda, or Gadkari.”

He also refuted the claim that Nehru rejected Ambedkar’s Hindu Code Bill due to differences between them. "While the original Hindu Code Bill was rejected in 1951, Nehru later introduced four laws in 1958 that incorporated Ambedkar’s reforms. Even Ambedkar himself acknowledged these laws strengthened the Constitution. Yet, BJP never speaks about it. They attempt to distort history by falsely portraying conflicts between Nehru and Ambedkar.”

KPCC spokesperson Muneer Jansale said, “Efforts are being made to portray Gandhi, Ambedkar, and Nehru negatively. At a time when falsehoods are rampant, we must ensure that the truth reaches the people.”

He warned that while 90 per cent of India’s population benefits from the Constitution, BJP and RSS continue to promote Manusmriti as their ideal legal code.

Veteran journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu said, “India has the Constitution today because of Congress. Every Congress member must take pride in this and work to uphold it. If BJP spreads its ideology, Congress must counter it by promoting its own values.”

He pointed out how BJP distorts historical facts, citing Ambedkar’s 1951 electoral defeat. “BJP claims Congress defeated Ambedkar in elections. But in reality, Ambedkar lost against candidates from the Hindu Mahasabha and the Communist Party. Why doesn't the BJP mention this?”

“Dakshina Kannada is a cradle of multiculturalism, but there are efforts to destroy this harmony. Congress must stand firm in its ideology. Upholding the principles of Ambedkar, Buddha, Basava, Narayana Guru, Kanakadasa, and Valmiki is crucial. Facing challenges with courage may bring difficulties, but we must never compromise our principles,” Mattu added.

Former minister Ramanath Rai presided over the discussion.