Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of a new scholarship program for Dalit students on Saturday. Named the 'Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship,' the scheme aims to provide free education in foreign universities for Dalit students from Delhi.

Kejriwal described the initiative as a response to what he termed the BJP’s "insult" to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, referring to remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha that have sparked widespread controversy.

Under the proposed scheme, Dalit government employees in Delhi will be able to send their children abroad for higher education without financial burden. The Delhi government will cover tuition fees, travel, and accommodation costs. However, details regarding the scheme’s rollout remain unclear.

"Dr. Ambedkar believed education was the path to progress and pursued his own studies abroad despite immense challenges," Kejriwal said during the announcement. He further criticized Shah’s remarks, stating, "While BJP leaders abuse Babasaheb, I choose to honor him. This scholarship is my tribute to Ambedkar."

Ambedkar Controversy

The announcement comes amid ongoing criticism of Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament during a discussion on the Constitution. Shah had stated that invoking Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion,” prompting backlash from opposition parties.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Congress responded by filing privilege motions in Parliament, demanding Shah’s resignation. Shah, however, dismissed the opposition’s allegations, accusing them of misrepresenting his statements and using edited videos to create controversy.

The row has intensified political tensions as Delhi heads toward assembly elections next year, with AAP leveraging the Ambedkar issue to bolster its outreach among Dalit voters.