Ambedkar needs to be understood as a whole: AAP MP

Aam Aadmi Party parliamentarian Harvinder Singh Khalsa on Friday said discussions on the Indian consitution's main architect Bhimrao Ambedkar were held "in parts" whereas he ought to be understood as a whole.

"Leaders from different political parties are talking about Ambedkar, but they discuss him only in parts. He is not being talked about as a whole," the AAP MP said while participating in a special two-day discussion on 'Commitment to Constitution' as part of the 125th birth anniversary celebration of Ambedkar.

Harvinder Singh Khalsa said the principles held dear by Ambedkar were not to be ignored.

The AAP MP from Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab said the Dalit icon was talked about and presented in a manner that suited the interests of different political parties.

He wondered whether parliament was indeed paying homage to a great leader or that the debate was arranged for the sake of it.

The AAP leader expressed unhappiness over alleged communal remarks made by various leaders as well as ministers in the National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre.

"If they have problem in keeping India secular, why can't they declare so? Why can't we say we are not secular? what is the problem," he asked sarcastically.

The parliamentarian said even now people were known or recognised by their castes.

"We have kept it (caste) alive as it suits us," he said, urging leaders to do something to bring about equality for everyone.