Babasaheb Ambedkar’s great-grandson appears with various political fronts, leaving supporters unsure of his stand ahead of state Assembly elections
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – Raj Ratan Ambedkar, the great-grandson of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, has recently drawn significant attention and stirred a widespread debate due to his complex and seemingly shifting political allegiances. As a descendant of a revered leader and architect of the Indian Constitution, Raj Ratan carries a unique legacy.
However, his recent actions and statements have raised questions about his political loyalties and his stance on issues that Dr. Ambedkar historically championed, such as social equality, secularism, and social justice
Known for usually living abroad, Ambedkar’s frequent appearances at public and political events across Maharashtra are raising questions about his true political allegiances as the state’s assembly elections approach .
In the past weeks, Ambedkar has been spotted supporting leaders from multiple political groups. Initially, he joined forces with the newly announced “Third Front,” established by Mahayoti’s ally Bachu Kadu and farmer leader Raju Shetty, with plans to include Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM party. This coalition, named Parivartan Shakti, also saw the involvement of Sambhaji Raje Chhatrapati, a figure who has faced criticism for allegedly targeting Muslim homes at Vishalgarh Fort. However, following this controversial inclusion, AIMIM’s involvement in the alliance was dropped, leaving the front’s future unclear.
Ambedkar’s allegiance did not stop with Parivartan Shakti. On November 3, he was seen in Jalna, standing alongside Maratha activist Manoj Jarangay and Muslim leader Maulana Sajjad Naumani in a gesture of solidarity aimed at uniting Maratha, Muslim, and Dalit communities.
The gathering was marked by Sajjad Naumani referring to Jarangay as a “modern-day Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar,” acknowledging his social activism. However, soon after, Jarangay’s camp announced they would not proceed with any coalition, citing an absence of representative candidates from Dalit and Muslim communities.
In another unexpected turn, Ambedkar appeared at a press conference on Wednesday in Mumbai, this time pledging support for the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of opposition parties. Standing with Maulana Sajjad Naumani, Ambedkar endorsed the MVA’s candidates, sparking widespread discussion about his political stance. “It’s perplexing to see him supporting candidates from MVA while simultaneously forming alliances with the Third Front,” commented a local political analyst.
Social media platforms have seen heated debates, with some accusing Raj Ratan of “political opportunism.” To these critics, his ambiguous affiliations indicate a shift away from his commitment to social justice, creating distrust among followers who view his association with certain groups as a departure from the principles he claims to represent.
“Raj Ratan Ambedkar is seen forming a front with figures like Sambhaji Raje, who has been linked to anti-Muslim incidents, while also supporting the MVA and associating with advocates for Maratha-Muslim unity. It’s difficult to understand his real intentions,” remarked an activist on a popular political forum..
As debates around Raj Ratan’s allegiances continue, his decisions may shape the trajectory of the Dalit movement and its ideological commitment to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s foundational vision of an inclusive, egalitarian India. The ongoing scrutiny of his alliances reflects both the high expectations and complex realities that come with carrying the legacy of one of India’s most respected social reformers
