Dalit Organizations Accuse Congress of Political Opportunism in Ankita Bhandari Case
In Hyderabad, Dalit groups criticize Congress for perceived political opportunism in the Ankita Bhandari case, questioning their commitment to social justice.
Hyderabad, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Four different Dalit organizations have accused the Congress Party of political opportunism in the ongoing Ankita Bhandari case. In an open letter addressed to Congress leadership, they expressed concerns about the party’s involvement, which they claim raises serious questions about its commitment to constitutional ethics.
The groups, including the SC Hakula Porata Sangham and the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Volleyball Club from Hyderabad, as well as the NBCSC/ST Employees Welfare Union and the SAIL SC and ST Employees Federation from New Delhi, criticized the participation of senior Congress leaders in protests at India Gate. They questioned whether social justice is a consistent principle for Congress or merely a political tool used to serve partisan interests.
Representatives from Dalit intellectual circles, academia, and social justice organizations argue that constitutional values should never be manipulated for political convenience. The letter stated, “Our objection is not to democratic dissent, public inquiry, or institutional accountability. It is to the selective use of principles that should be universally applicable.”
The letter emphasized the importance of these questions for the Dalit community, stating that generations of Ambedkarite movements have fought for equality before the law, institutional accountability, and the genuine realization of social justice. These ideals, they argue, cannot be confined to convenient political rhetoric.
The authors of the letter called upon Congress to reflect on the notion that its commitment to social justice is most evident when controversies arise that challenge its political adversaries. They asserted that social justice cannot be selective, constitutional ethics cannot be convenient, and the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar should not be limited to mere political jargon.
They concluded by advocating for a political approach in India that is guided by consistent principles, institutional responsibility, and a true commitment to equality, rather than selective outrage driven by political self-interest. The open letters were signed by prominent figures from the mentioned organizations, including Mareddu Mohan, Kranti Kiran, SK Soni, Manoj Kumar, and others.
