Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship aimed at empowering Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad. The announcement comes in the backdrop of political uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a parliamentary debate.
At a rally, Kejriwal pledged that if the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) secures victory in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the government will fund Dalit students aspiring to study at foreign universities. The initiative seeks to honor Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for education and ensure no Dalit student is forced to abandon their studies due to financial constraints.
Kejriwal drew attention to Ambedkar’s own struggles, noting how he faced funding challenges while pursuing studies at the London School of Economics. “We are committed to ensuring that the dreams of Dalit students are not hindered by a lack of resources,” he said.
The announcement follows heated exchanges in parliament after Amit Shah accused the Congress of using Ambedkar’s name for political convenience, stating, “If they had taken God’s name instead of Ambedkar’s so many times, they would have attained heaven for seven lives.” Shah’s remarks led to protests from the opposition, with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge accusing BJP MPs of disrespecting Ambedkar.
The controversy further escalated into physical altercations in parliament, with two BJP MPs reportedly injured. Meanwhile, an FIR has been filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly inciting violence, based on complaints by BJP MPs.
As the debate over Ambedkar’s legacy intensifies, Kejriwal’s scholarship scheme appears to serve as both a tribute to the Dalit icon and a strategic move in the election campaign.
