BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad (ANI photo) NEW DELHI: Former Union minister and BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday targeted the Congress party for what he termed as hypocrisy in its treatment of BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, and its failure to adequately protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) communities. Addressing a press conference, Prasad accused the grand old party of forcing Ambedkar to resign as law minister during the first general elections and preventing him from building a memorial, despite now invoking his name for political purposes. "Congress's love for Ambedkar is overflowing," Prasad said.
"They forced him to resign, denied him the chance to build a memorial, and didn't even let him speak during his resignation. Now, they hold press conference in his name." The BJP MP also raised questions about Congress’s silence on Ambedkar's resignation, demanding an explanation.
"Congress should explain why Ambedkar's resignation was never made public," he said. Prasad further alleged that Congress has failed to ensure proper protections for SC/ST communities. "SC/STs have not been given proper protection.
Only Muslims have been provided adequate safeguards," he said. Highlighting the BJP's efforts, former Union minister praised the Modi government for honouring Ambedkar with a memorial. He also pointed out that streets have been named after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, but not Ambedkar.
"Ambedkar has finally received recognition.