RSS to reveal Ambedkar's lesser known facets, claims he supported 'Ghar Wapsi'

New Delhi: BR Ambedkar, a Dalit icon and a visionary who headed the committee that drafted the Constitution, also supported 'Ghar Wapsi' or religious conversion, claims the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), which is the ideological mentor of the BJP.

RSS mouthpieces 'The Organiser and Panchjanya', which are planning to bring out a collector's edition to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar next Tuesday, aim to reveal certain "lesser known facets" about him.

The 200-page bumper issues on Ambedkar will celebrate him as a 'purifier' who vehemently spoke against Islamic 'aggression', conversion to Islam, communism and Article 370.

This is the first time that the RSS is attempting to appropriate Ambedkar - one of India's greatest leaders.

So far, the RSS publications have never had a 'collector's edition' but only special issues limited to RSS founder KB Hedgewar and the Ram Janmabhoomi movement.

The decision to project Ambedkar as a unifier of people to show that his emphasis was on creating an inclusive society was taken during the recently-held RSS conclave in Nagpur, where the Sangh reiterated its 'one well, one temple, one crematorium for all' policy.

The special editions projecting Ambedkar as a nationalist would have articles by Sangh's Dalit leaders and joint secretary Krishna Gopal. Books will be launched by the Sangh organising secretary Bhaiyyaji Suresh Joshi.

The focal point of this special issue will be Ambedkar's views on Pakistan.

"He saw the universal brotherhood of Islam uniting just Muslims. He was critical of the spirit of aggression of political Islam that takes advantage of the weakness of Hindus and follows gangsterism," Prafulla Ketkar, Organiser's editor, was quoted as saying by a leading daily.

Ketkar also reportedly claimed that when in Pakistan and some provinces such as Hyderabad Scheduled Caste Hindus were forcibly converted, Ambedkar warned them against it and told the converted Hindus they would be welcomed back.

The Organiser's editor further said that in a way Ambedkar supported Ghar Wapsi. Ketkar also sought to explain that he converted to Buddhism after Gandhi's death since the religion was closest to Hinduism.

Ketkar, however, concluded by saying that by confining Ambedkar to being a Dalit icon only, the people have done irreparable damage to themselves. So, if anyone wants to bring his other qualities out, he should be welcome, Ketkar added.