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Karnataka ministers Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Priyank Kharge on Thursday, August 6, invoked Dr B R Ambedkar's warning against the idea of a Hindu Rashtra at two separate public events, with both Congress leaders accusing the BJP and its ideological affiliates of ignoring the Constitution architect's views while using religion to divide society.
Addressing a gathering in Bidar district, Yathindra said, "Dr B R Ambedkar had said that if this country becomes a Hindu nation, there will be no greater danger to this country than that. We have to fight against those who are trying to divide us using the weapon of religion. Only when we do all this will we be able to get our rights and power."
"They are dividing us in the name of religion. The biggest reason for the caste system is religion," he added.
Speaking at a separate event in Bengaluru, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the BJP, which frequently celebrates Ambedkar's legacy, should also heed his warnings against the idea of a Hindu Rashtra. He said Ambedkar had clearly cautioned that a Hindu nation would be incompatible with the principles of equality, liberty and fraternity that form the foundation of the Constitution.
Priyank accused the BJP of selectively invoking Ambedkar while ignoring his ideological positions, and said the Congress would continue to defend constitutional values and social justice. He also alleged that the BJP and the RSS were attempting to reshape the constitutional vision laid down by Ambedkar.
The remarks by the two ministers come amid an intensifying ideological battle between the Congress and the BJP over Ambedkar's legacy, the Constitution and the concept of a Hindu Rashtra.
