Bedi’s comparison of CM Saini to Ambedkar draws sharp criticism
Haryana’s Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishna Bedi has stirred controversy by comparing Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini with Dr BR Ambedkar during a Kabir Jayanti function in Sirsa on Wednesday.
Addressing the gathering, Bedi welcomed the CM with high praise, saying, “Our destiny maker has arrived. We may not have seen Ambedkar, but if there is anyone like him in Haryana, it is Nayab Singh Saini.” A video of this statement went viral soon after, prompting a wave of backlash from political opponents and citizens alike.
The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) was quick to condemn Bedi’s comparison. Senior INLD leader Prakash Bharti termed the remark “highly inappropriate and insulting,” demanding a public apology.
“BR Ambedkar was the architect of the Indian Constitution and gave rights and reservations to Scheduled Castes and backward communities. Because of his efforts, leaders like Saini and Bedi are in power today. Comparing anyone to Ambedkar is not only wrong, but it is also a sin,” Bharti said.
Social media users echoed similar sentiments. One user, Kamal Kumar Barara, commented, “Nayab Saini may be your leader, but he can never be compared with Dr Ambedkar, who gave India its Constitution.”
Interestingly, the controversial segment of Bedi’s speech was not uploaded to his official social media handles. However, other portions of his address, still available on his Facebook page, show Bedi lauding the BJP government’s commitment to honouring social reformers.
“The BJP is celebrating the anniversaries of Kabir, Valmiki, Dr Ambedkar, and Shaheed Udham Singh, something previous governments never did,” he said.
He also credited CM Saini for continuing inclusive policies initiated by former CM Manohar Lal Khattar. “The deprived Scheduled Caste (DSC) community thanks you. Future generations will remember your efforts,” Bedi added.
The event was organised by former MP Sunita Duggal and attended by prominent BJP leaders, including state party president Mohan Lal Badoli and Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa.
Haryana Tribune