Politics of Power: Baba Saheb's Legacy

Baba Saheb's ideas—such as social justice, abolition of casteism, sharing of power in power for Dalits and backward classes, and protection of the dignity of the Constitution—are being completely ignored by today's politicians

April 14, 2025 | Priyanka Saurabh

Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's birth anniversary is being celebrated with great pomp across the country today. Like temple bells, microphones are ringing on the stages, and there is a flood of garlands of flowers and emotional speeches. But amidst all this, one question constantly gnaws at the mind – is this a tribute or a pursuit of power?
Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. He belonged to the Mahar caste, which was considered untouchable. Amidst social boycott and humiliation, he acquired education and received higher education from institutions like Columbia University and the London School of Economics. This achievement in itself was a revolution in the India of that time.
Baba Saheb fought against social injustice, and in 1956 he embraced Buddhism – a religion that shows the path of equality, compassion and wisdom. He said goodbye to the world on 6 December 1956, but his ideas are still alive today – provided they are kept alive.
Today, when we look at the Parliament and the Legislative Assemblies, we find that there are a large number of capitalists, actors, and sportsmen present there. But the Bahujan Samaj, which forms the ladder of power, is allowed to remain at the bottom. Governments that avoid caste census are not ready to convert social justice into a permanent policy. This is the reason why there is a deep inequality in the society.
Spending crores of rupees on Baba Saheb's birth anniversary, organising big rallies and putting up posters, covering his statues with flowers – is this devotion? Aren't these the same people who never even read Baba Saheb's books? Aren't these the same political parties whose policies directly go against the spirit of the Constitution?
This hypocrisy will stop only when the elephant's teeth are made the same for showing and eating. When will the difference between words and actions end? And when everyone gets a share in the power in proportion to the population – only then will we be able to say that we have paid tribute to Baba Saheb in the true sense.
Baba Saheb, who gave voice to the most downtrodden and marginalised sections of India, ensured their rights in the Constitution; his birth anniversary is being celebrated today by the same people who left no stone unturned in crushing his ideas.
Baba Saheb had clearly stated, "I was not born a Hindu; it was not in my control, but I will not die a Hindu – that is in my control." Instead of understanding this historic proclamation, politicians have reduced him to statues. The Constitution, which he wrote to protect the Dalits, backward and poor, is today being distorted in a haphazard manner.
It is a matter of great sadness that the parties which were born for the rights of Dalits and backward classes are today either silent due to greed for power or have taken a vow of silence out of fear. Parties like BSP came to power in the name of Baba Saheb, but today they are at the back in protecting his principles.
Baba Saheb's name has become just an election strategy. People who become MLAs and MPs from reserved seats are engrossed in slavery to their respective parties. They are watching the attacks on Dalit interests as mute spectators. In such a situation, as an ordinary citizen, I, Vinesh Thakur, strongly condemn these power-hungry representatives.
Most of those who are remembering Baba Saheb today did not have the courage to take even a single step on his ideas. Issues like caste census, sharing of power in proportion to population, and equality in education and employment are still pending. Instead, a policy is being adopted to appease the poor by giving them free rations – instead of permanent employment and a dignified life, a life of beggary is being given.
Big industrialists, actors and sportspersons reach the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, but those whose votes form the government – Dalits, tribals, and OBCs – are still marginalised. Baba Saheb's real legacy has been killed, and now his birth anniversary has become just a political event.
Everyone knows his biography – 14 April 1891, born in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh), belonging to the Mahar caste which was considered untouchable, a victim of discrimination in childhood, but a personality who surprised the world with his unique talent. He acquired knowledge from the whole world and wrote a constitution for India which guarantees equality, justice and freedom to every citizen.
In 1956, he rebelled against the society by adopting Buddhism. He fought against untouchability, casteism, inequality and political neglect throughout his life. But today, only crowds are being gathered in his name, not ideas. My direct question to the political parties is – have you taken any concrete steps for social justice? The answer is clear: zero.
If you really want to pay true tribute to Baba Saheb, then cut the budget of religious events, ostentatious campaigns and statue unveilings for one year. Use that money to arrange for justice on an economic basis for all castes. Ensure a share in power in proportion to population. Stop taking 50% commission; stop the wave of privatisation.
If you can do this, then believe me – Baba Saheb's soul will say, "Now you have not only remembered my thoughts but have lived them." Otherwise, the difference between the elephant's show and eating teeth will remain – and this difference will swallow democracy one day.