The BJP altered a photograph showing Soros to feature Opposition leaders, including members of the Congress party, holding images of Ambedkar during a Parliament protest. The party's social media channels seized upon the photo, with a caption directed at the Congress and its allies in the INDIA alliance: “Hello, Congress and INDIA alliance. We fixed the image for you. You're welcome.”
This move comes amid mounting scrutiny over Shah's comments earlier this week, which were perceived as diminishing the legacy of Ambedkar. The remarks triggered a backlash from various quarters, accusing the BJP of disrespecting one of India’s most respected leaders, a key architect of the nation’s Constitution. As tensions rose, the BJP sought to deflect the criticism by highlighting its longstanding allegations that the Congress party, through its supposed ties with Soros, is attempting to undermine India's political stability.
The BJP’s claims about George Soros are not new, as the party has consistently linked the financier to efforts aimed at destabilizing the country’s political fabric. Soros, a Hungarian-American investor, has been a vocal critic of India’s ruling government, particularly over issues related to democracy and human rights. The BJP has previously accused the Congress and its allies of conspiring with Soros to orchestrate protests and campaigns against the government.
The political rhetoric surrounding Soros has been amplified as the 2024 general elections approach, with the BJP framing him as an external threat to India’s sovereignty. In its latest salvo, the party juxtaposed Soros’s image with that of Ambedkar, attempting to shift the focus of the ongoing debate about Shah’s comments onto the Opposition’s alleged ties to the billionaire.
Congress has swiftly responded to the BJP’s photo manipulation, condemning it as a deliberate attempt to deflect attention from Shah’s remarks. The Congress, along with other Opposition parties, has accused the BJP of playing with the image of Ambedkar to further its political agenda. "Tampering with Babasaheb Ambedkar's photo is an insult to the Constitution’s architect," said Congress leaders, emphasizing that such actions reveal the BJP's lack of respect for Ambedkar’s legacy.
Opposition leaders have also accused the BJP of using divisive tactics to polarize the electorate and detract from real issues facing the country. "Rather than addressing the growing concerns of the people, the BJP continues to engage in a smear campaign, attacking institutions and leaders that represent the values of justice, equality, and democracy," stated a senior leader from the Congress.
The controversy surrounding Shah’s remarks is part of a broader battle over the BJP’s narrative on Ambedkar. The BJP has previously portrayed itself as the true heir to Ambedkar’s vision, citing its work on Dalit welfare and social justice initiatives. However, critics argue that the party has often undermined the values that Ambedkar stood for, especially in relation to religious and caste-based discrimination.
The use of Ambedkar’s image in political campaigns is a sensitive issue, with different factions within the BJP and the Opposition vying for ownership of his legacy. Ambedkar remains a towering figure in Indian politics, particularly among Dalit communities, and his legacy continues to be a point of contention between those who champion his progressive ideas and those who seek to exploit his image for political gain.
BJP’s focus on Soros is also seen as an attempt to galvanize its base by portraying itself as the defender of India’s sovereignty against foreign influences. The party has been successful in framing Soros as a symbol of Western interference in Indian affairs, arguing that his criticism of the government is part of a larger conspiracy to weaken the country’s democratic institutions. The BJP’s efforts to link Soros to the Congress party and its allies have sparked heated debates on social media and within political circles, with both sides accusing each other of distorting facts to suit their narratives.
The timing of the BJP's offensive is significant, as the party prepares for the general elections next year. The Soros narrative, which has gained traction among BJP supporters, is being used to appeal to nationalistic sentiments, portraying the ruling party as the protector of India’s interests in the face of external threats. For the Congress and other Opposition parties, the challenge lies in countering the BJP’s message and turning the focus back to issues of governance, economic inequality, and social justice.