The ideological contradiction between Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the RSS-BJP is stark, as Ambedkar was a staunch critic of Brahminism, Manu Smriti, caste hierarchy, and Hindutva ideology. However, in recent years, the BJP and RSS have strategically sought to appropriate Ambedkar and his legacy to gain political mileage, particularly among Dalits. Here are ten specific reasons for this phenomenon:
1. Electoral Strategy to Woo Dalit Voters
The BJP has been actively working to expand its voter base among Dalits, who constitute a significant percentage of India's population. By co-opting Ambedkar’s image and ideology, they seek to counter traditional Dalit loyalty to parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Congress.
2. Selective Interpretation of Ambedkar’s Ideas
While Ambedkar was a staunch critic of Hinduism's caste system and the RSS’s Brahmanical ideology, the BJP strategically highlights his nationalism, advocacy for unity, and constitutionalism while downplaying his critiques of Hindu social order.
3. Use of Ambedkar’s Iconography
The BJP and RSS have extensively used Ambedkar’s portraits, symbols, and quotes in public campaigns. His statues, books, and images are promoted in BJP-led states to project the party as a champion of Ambedkar’s ideals.
4. Attempts to Weaken Dalit-Centric Parties
By embracing Ambedkar, the BJP aims to erode the political influence of Dalit-centric parties like the BSP, VCK, and others. They present themselves as the true inheritors of Ambedkar’s vision, thereby creating confusion among Dalit voters.
5. Welfare Schemes and Political Representation
The BJP has launched various schemes targeting Dalits, such as the Stand-Up India scheme, scholarships, and financial aid programs. It has also promoted Dalit leaders within the party, appointing Dalit governors, ministers, and even a Dalit as the President of India (Ram Nath Kovind) to showcase inclusivity.
6. Misrepresentation of Ambedkar’s Views on Islam and Christianity
The BJP selectively highlights Ambedkar’s criticisms of Islam and Christianity to justify its Hindutva ideology. However, they ignore the fact that Ambedkar’s main opposition was to caste-based discrimination in Hinduism, which led him to embrace Buddhism.
7. Erasure of Ambedkar’s Anti-Manu Smriti Stance
Ambedkar publicly burned the Manu Smriti, as he saw it as the foundation of caste oppression. However, the RSS and BJP avoid discussing this aspect while selectively glorifying him as the architect of the Indian Constitution.
8. Infiltration of Dalit Movements and Organizations
Hindutva groups have infiltrated Dalit organizations, promoting leaders who align with their ideology. Through programs like ‘Samajik Samarasta’ (social harmony), they attempt to dilute Ambedkar’s radical anti-caste stance and bring Dalits into the larger Hindutva fold.
9. Control Over Historical Narratives
The BJP government has systematically revised history textbooks and academic narratives to project Ambedkar as a nationalist leader rather than a revolutionary anti-caste crusader. His ideological opposition to Hinduism is often omitted or softened.
10. Strategic Silence on Caste-Based Atrocities
While the BJP claims to uphold Ambedkar’s vision, it remains silent or defensive about caste-based atrocities, attacks on Dalits, and oppression in Hindu society. Instead, they divert focus to Muslim and Christian issues to maintain their Hindutva agenda.
Conclusion
The RSS-BJP’s attempt to appropriate Ambedkar is a political strategy to co-opt Dalits while maintaining the caste-based hierarchical structure. By selectively using Ambedkar’s legacy, they try to project themselves as pro-Dalit while continuing policies that often harm Dalit communities. However, genuine followers of Ambedkar continue to challenge this appropriation and expose the contradictions in the Hindutva narrative.
The appropriation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) is a complex and contentious issue, given Ambedkar's historical opposition to Brahmanical Hinduism, the Manusmriti, and Hindutva ideology. Ambedkar was a fierce advocate for social justice, equality, and the annihilation of caste, while the RSS and BJP have often been associated with promoting a homogenized Hindu identity that critics argue perpetuates caste hierarchies. Despite this, the RSS and BJP have increasingly sought to co-opt Ambedkar's legacy for political and ideological purposes. Below are ten specific reasons and strategies behind this appropriation:
1. Political Legitimacy and Electoral Gains
Ambedkar is an iconic figure for Dalits, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and other marginalized communities, who constitute a significant portion of India's electorate. By associating themselves with Ambedkar, the RSS and BJP aim to gain the trust and votes of these communities, which have historically been aligned with parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Indian National Congress.
2. Diluting Ambedkar's Anti-Caste Legacy
By selectively highlighting Ambedkar's role in drafting the Indian Constitution and his emphasis on national unity, the RSS and BJP attempt to downplay his radical critique of Hinduism, caste, and Brahmanism. This helps them neutralize his anti-Hindutva stance and present him as a unifying figure compatible with their ideology.
3. Symbolic Gestures and Memorialization
The BJP government has undertaken numerous symbolic acts to honor Ambedkar, such as building memorials (e.g., the Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi), renaming institutions after him, and celebrating his birth anniversary (Ambedkar Jayanti) with great fanfare. These gestures are aimed at projecting the BJP as a party that respects Dalit icons.
4. Selective Quoting and Misrepresentation
The RSS and BJP often quote Ambedkar out of context to align his views with their agenda. For instance, they emphasize his criticism of Islam and Christianity to bolster their Hindutva narrative, while ignoring his scathing critique of Hinduism and caste.
5. Co-opting Ambedkar's Nationalism
Ambedkar's emphasis on constitutional morality, national unity, and social integration is selectively highlighted to align with the RSS's vision of a "Hindu Rashtra." This allows the RSS to claim that Ambedkar's ideas are compatible with their goal of a unified Hindu nation.
6. Undermining Anti-BJP Dalit Movements
By appropriating Ambedkar, the RSS and BJP aim to weaken Dalit movements that oppose their policies and ideology. This strategy seeks to create divisions within Dalit politics and co-opt Ambedkarite leaders and organizations into the Hindutva fold.
7. Promoting Hindutva as Inclusive
The RSS and BJP use Ambedkar's legacy to project Hindutva as an inclusive ideology that respects Dalits and other marginalized groups. This is part of a broader effort to rebrand Hindutva as a socially progressive movement, despite its historical association with upper-caste dominance.
8. Countering Anti-Hindutva Narratives
By claiming Ambedkar as their own, the RSS and BJP attempt to counter the narrative that Hindutva is inherently anti-Dalit and anti-Ambedkar. This helps them deflect criticism and present themselves as champions of social justice.
9. Cultural Assimilation
The RSS has been working to assimilate Dalits into the broader Hindu fold through initiatives like "Samajik Samrasta" (social harmony). By honoring Ambedkar, they seek to convince Dalits that their interests are aligned with the Hindu majority, thereby weakening demands for separate Dalit identity and autonomy.
10. Global Image Management
Ambedkar is internationally recognized as a symbol of social justice and human rights. By associating with him, the RSS and BJP aim to improve their global image and counter accusations of caste-based discrimination and intolerance.
Critical Perspective:
While the RSS and BJP's efforts to appropriate Ambedkar may yield short-term political gains, they often face criticism for being superficial and insincere. Ambedkar's vision of social justice, equality, and the annihilation of caste fundamentally contradicts the hierarchical and majoritarian aspects of Hindutva ideology. Many Dalit intellectuals and activists argue that the RSS and BJP's appropriation of Ambedkar is an attempt to whitewash their own role in perpetuating caste oppression and to co-opt Dalit struggles for their political agenda.
In conclusion, the RSS and BJP's appropriation of Ambedkar is a strategic move to gain political legitimacy, weaken opposition, and reshape public perception. However, it remains a deeply contested and controversial effort, given the inherent contradictions between Ambedkar's radical vision and the Hindutva ideology.
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