Former MLA Sayed Azeem Peer Khadri, a Karnataka Congress leader, sparked controversy by claiming that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had initially planned to convert to Islam. Speaking at a rally in Shiggaon, Khadri suggested that had Ambedkar chosen Islam over Buddhism, prominent Dalit leaders like Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara and others would likely be Muslim today.
Khadri stated, “Babasaheb Ambedkar, in those days, was all set to accept and join Islam, but he then eventually became a Buddhist.” He further speculated that Dalit leaders would have different, Muslim names if Ambedkar had converted to Islam.
Congress Leaders Disown Khadri’s Comments
Khadri’s remarks quickly gained traction, prompting Congress leaders to distance themselves. MLC Nagaraj Yadav, present at the rally, called Khadri’s comments “unwarranted.” He clarified, “Dr. Ambedkar is one of India’s greatest leaders who wanted inclusivity across religions. Khadri should avoid such statements.”
BJP’s Reaction: Accusations of Ignorance and Bias
The BJP criticized Khadri’s remarks as a display of “ignorance,” with BJP leader C.T. Ravi alleging that there were attempts by the Hyderabad Nizam to persuade Ambedkar to embrace Islam. However, Ravi said Ambedkar resisted these pressures due to his belief that Islam lacked equality and was intolerant.
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Political Background: Khadri’s Independent Campaign
Khadri recently declared himself an Independent candidate in the upcoming Shiggaon by-election, after the Congress denied him a ticket. His comments come amidst a heated electoral campaign in Karnataka, where both the Congress and BJP are rallying for support among various communities.
Congress-BJP Tensions Over Ambedkar’s Legacy
The Congress and BJP have been at odds over Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy, with the Congress alleging that the BJP and RSS aim to replace Ambedkar’s Constitution with a text inspired by Manusmriti. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that the BJP opposes constitutional protections for Dalits, Adivasis, and OBCs, which he said are essential to Ambedkar’s vision of equality.
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress of dividing society along caste and community lines. Addressing a rally in Maharashtra, Modi warned that the Congress’s “divisive politics” would lose influence if these communities stayed united.
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