As war of words turn ugly, reunion plans of Ambedkar brothers fizzle out

Indian Express

24-07-2025

Anandraj Ambedkar, president of Republican Sena, had said on May 18 that he was willing to set aside differences with his elder brother and president of Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Prakash Ambedkar. Anandraj Ambedkar had said, 'If they (Raj and Uddhav Thackeray) can come together, why can't the Ambedkar family unite?'
Exactly two months later, Prakash and Anandraj, grandsons of Dr B R Ambedkar, are caught in an ugly war of words with no signs of reconciliation.
Anandraj Ambedkar's decision to form alliance with the Shiv Sena led by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde last week has not gone down well with VBA. In an internal meeting of VBA, Prakash Ambedkar directed his followers to unite and fight all Dalit outfits which are using B R Ambedkar's name and are directly or indirectly aligning with right wing BJP/RSS.
Prakash Ambedkar has taken strong objections to younger brother Anandraj dismissing any threat to Constitution under ruling BJP-led NDA.
While alleging that Republican Sena has ideologically compromised its core principles by aligning with Shinde's Shiv Sena, which is in alliance with BJP-led Mahayuti in Maharashtra, Prakash Ambedkar said, 'The Republican Sena's alliance with the BJP ally Shiv Sena is not only against the movement's fight against BJP/allies to save Constitution, but also against the ideology of Phule-Shahu- Ambedkar.'
'It is now up to the followers of Phule, Shahu, Ambedkar whether they want to stand with a puppet of RSS/BJP whose core ideology is to replace Constitution with Manusmriti, or stand with someone whose ideology is to uphold and defend the Constitution,' said Prakash Ambedkar.
The sharp attack by Prakash against Anandraj indicates that the differences between the two factions are getting bitter. With Anandraj taking the decision to ally with Shiv Sena, the possibility of a reunion between the Ambedkar brothers is now a closed chapter.
Countering the charges, Anandraj said, 'Republican Sena has forged an alliance with Shiv Sena. We have done this alliance underlining the common agenda of welfare of oppressed and backward classes. In any case, Republican Sena has not joined BJP/ RSS. So, where is the question of compromising ideology. We are committed to Ambedkar's teachings and principles.'
Though Prakash and Anandraj have been working separately for past three decades, this is first time their differences are being played out in public.
A senior VBA leader known to Ambedkar family said, 'The Dalit leaders championing the cause of social justice and welfare of oppressed have failed to unite and work as a team. Unfortunately, everyone wants to become a leader. And it becomes easier for established parties, both ruling and opposition, to exploit this weakness to its advantage.'