Karnataka, India – A statement by former Congress MLA Syed Azampir Khadri has ignited a firestorm of controversy regarding the religious choices of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a prominent social reformer. Speaking at a gathering in Shiggaon on Monday, Khadri claimed, “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was ready to accept Islam,” adding that had Ambedkar converted, the entire Dalit community would likely have followed suit. The remark comes amidst ongoing by-elections in Shiggaon, where the Congress party has nominated Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan as its candidate. Khadri's comments have attracted widespread attention online, sparking debates about Ambedkar’s legacy and the historical relationship between the Dalit and Muslim communities.
He elaborated that if Ambedkar had embraced Islam, prominent Dalit leaders today might have had Muslim names, suggesting a significant shift in identity within the community. Despite the historical context presented by Khadri, the Congress party quickly distanced itself from his controversial statement, denying him a ticket for the upcoming elections. Khadri has since declared his intention to run as an independent candidate. The backlash has been swift, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which criticized both Khadri and the Congress party for what they described as a misrepresentation of Ambedkar's historical significance.
BJP representatives accused Khadri of lacking a true understanding of Ambedkar’s life and the impact of his decisions. As discussions about Ambedkar's potential conversion continue to circulate on social media, the incident raises questions about the intersection of religion, politics, and social identity in contemporary India. This unfolding controversy not only highlights the complexities surrounding Ambedkar's legacy but also the challenges faced by political figures in navigating sensitive historical narratives within their campaigns. The eyes of the public remain fixed on Shiggaon as the by-elections approach, and the implications of Khadri's statements may influence voter sentiment in the days to come.