Rahul Gandhi, Kharge in MP to launch campaign upholding Ambedkar’s legacy

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge are set to visit Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, weeks after the Congress and the BJP traded barbs in the Constitution debate — with union home minister Amit Shah's derisive remarks at the heart of the recent controversy.

The visit, scheduled for 27 January, is part of the Congress' broader strategy to launch a 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' campaign, highlighting the party's commitment to the values of Mahatma Gandhi, Ambedkar and the Constitution itself.

This initiative came about as a direct response to the exchange of barbs between the two parties during recent debates in Parliament, particularly following union home minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks on Ambedkar — although the Congress has long accused the BJP of trying to undermine the basic structure of the Constitution over the years, through legislation and campaigning.

By focusing on Ambedkar's legacy, the Congress aims to emphasise its support for the Constitution and contrast its stance on India's constitutional values with the BJP's.

Madhya Pradesh Congress unit has said in an official statement that the Mhow programme, which is part of the Congress' 'Samvidhan Bachao' campaign, was originally scheduled for 26 January, but rescheduled for 27 January to allow centrestage for the regular Republic Day celebrations.

Congress general secretary in charge of political affairs, Bhanwar Jitendra Singh — who is also in-charge of the Madhya Pradesh Congress and the Assam unit — said while reviewing the party's preparation for the Mhow event on Saturday, 11 January: "The 'Samvidhan Bachao' campaign will continue until the BJP tenders an apology for union home minister Amit Shah's insulting remarks on Ambedkar.

"Given the upcoming programme, the state Congress unit, led by its president Jitu Patwari, has been busy with a series of meetings with party cadres. During the programme, Congress workers will reach every house at the rural level. More than 2 lakh Congress workers, including all the senior leaders of the country and the state, will gather."

In the absence of an apology, said Singh, the campaign seeks Shah's resignation from the Narendra Modi government for insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar.

"Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi [Vadra], chief ministers from our party and senior leaders will take part in the campaign in this holy land," Singh added.

The BJP uses indecent words in Parliament and state assemblies and does not follow the Constitution since they don't believe in it, said Singh.

With PTI and IANS inputs