Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and a prominent social reformer, held a deeply critical view of communism. He identified communism as a destructive and anti-humanitarian ideology. His objections to communism were rooted in its foundation, goals, and methods, which he vehemently opposed.
Dr. Ambedkar categorically stated:
"The Scheduled Castes Federation will not have any alliance with a party like the Communist Party, the objects of which are to destroy individual freedom and parliamentary democracy and substitute in its place a dictatorship."
Here, he directly pointed to the Communist Party, which sought to seize power through force and establish authoritarian rule.
Communism’s Dependence on Force
Ambedkar remarked:
"The Communist system is based on force. Supposing tomorrow the dictatorship in Russia fails, what would happen? Bloody warfare would ensue as people fight to appropriate the property of the State. Why? Because they have not accepted the Communist system voluntarily. They are obeying it out of fear of being hanged."
He believed such a system could never sustain itself, as it relied on fear and force rather than a voluntary change of mindset. He explicitly said:
"When force disappears, there is no use pursuing it. Because, if the mind is not converted, force will always be necessary.
Democracy and Communism: Incompatible Systems
Dr. Ambedkar questioned:
"Can democracy and communism work together? Can they live together?"
In his view, this was utterly illogical. He explained:
"Communism is like a forest fire; it goes on consuming anything and everything that comes in its way."
He further stated that countries far removed from the center of communism might feel safe from its effects, but those near its influence are at grave risk. He asked:
"Can you expect human habitation and this forest fire to long live together?"
Alliance with Communists: Impossible
Dr. Ambedkar categorically stated:
"My party would not in any case align with the Communist Party for the plain reason that I do not believe in communism."
■ Source : B.R Ambedkar; Writing and Speeches, Volume 17 Part 1
He further added that he would never be bound by the Communist Party’s agenda:
"I am not going to be a slave to my party. So long as I and my party agree, we work together. Otherwise, we go our own way. I do not live on politics and I do not propose to live on politics."
■ Source : B.R Ambedkar; Writing and Speeches, Volume 17 Part 1
Labor Movements and Communist Exploitation
Regarding labor movements, Ambedkar expressed his disdain for the Communist Party’s tactics:
"Communists exploit the laborers for their political ends. I am a confirmed enemy of the Communists."
■ Source : B.R Ambedkar; Writing and Speeches, Volume 17 Part 3
The Violent Nature of Communism
Dr. Ambedkar believed that communists relied on two primary means to achieve their goals:
1. Violence
2. Dictatorship of the Proletariat
He stated:
"The Communists say that there are only two means of establishing communism. The first is violence. Nothing short of it will suffice to break up the existing system. The other is dictatorship of the proletariat. Nothing short of it will suffice to continue the new system."
■ Source : B.R Ambedkar; Writing and Speeches, Volume 3
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar saw communism as a significant threat to humanity. In his view, communism was a violent and oppressive system that posed a danger to individual freedom and democracy.
He firmly believed that true progress and development of society could only be achieved through democratic principles. This is why he rejected communism outright and consistently advocated for democracy, human rights, and social justice.
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