Colors play a profound role in shaping political narratives, conveying ideologies, and uniting movements. From the “red salute” of left-wing politics to the saffron symbolizing right-wing ideologies, color has long been a critical part of political discourse. Among these hues, the color blue has emerged as a powerful metaphor of resistance, equality, and assertion in India’s socio-political landscape.

In recent years, blue has come into sharper focus due to its association with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Dalit movement, and broader themes of social justice. This article explores how blue became a symbol of defiance, unity, and transformation, delving into its political, historical, and cultural significance.

Blue in Contemporary Political Narratives

In December 2023, blue became a political statement in Parliament when Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was seen wearing a blue t-shirt, deviating from his signature white attire. This change was symbolic, especially in the context of the Dalit movement and its strong association with the color blue. Gandhi’s sartorial choice was seen as a direct challenge to the BJP, which has often accused Congress of sidelining Ambedkar during its decades in power.

The political messaging was unmissable. By embracing blue, Gandhi aligned himself with the Dalit struggle for equality, symbolically extending an olive branch to communities historically marginalized under India’s caste system. This act also sought to highlight the BJP’s alleged hypocrisy in appropriating Ambedkar’s legacy without addressing systemic caste discrimination.

The Historical Roots of Blue as a Dalit Symbol

Ambedkarite scholars suggest that blue symbolizes the sky, representing universality and equality. Under the vast expanse of the sky, all humans are equal, a powerful image for a movement centered on dismantling the caste system.

Dr. Ambedkar’s preference for blue suits added to the color’s symbolic value. Wearing a three-piece suit was a revolutionary act for a Dalit in early 20th-century India. It defied the rigid caste norms that dictated not just occupations but also clothing choices. Ambedkar’s attire signified emancipation and the aspiration to break free from societal restrictions. In 1942, when Ambedkar formed the All India Scheduled Caste Federation, he chose blue as the color of its flag. The flag featured the Ashok Chakra, symbolizing justice and equality. This blue flag became an enduring emblem of Dalit assertion, carried forward by organizations like the Samata Sainik Dal and the Republican Party of India.

Blue as a Color of Resistance: The 2018 Controversy

In 2018, blue became a contentious issue when a statue of Ambedkar in Uttar Pradesh was painted saffron, the color of Hindu nationalism. This act provoked outrage, particularly from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), whose leader ensured the statue was repainted blue within hours. This incident underlined how deeply blue is intertwined with the identity and ethos of Dalit politics.

A study titled “Fabric-Rendered Identity: A Study of Dalit Representation” by Benson Ranjan and Shreya Venkatraman further highlights how blue clothing is an assertion of Dalit identity. It challenges caste-based restrictions historically imposed on self-expression through attire, turning blue into a symbol of empowerment.

Long before blue became a symbol of Dalit resistance, it was central to the Indigo Movement in colonial Bengal. This uprising, which took place in the late 19th century, saw peasants revolting against the British for forcing them to cultivate indigo instead of food crops. The struggle was about more than just agriculture—it was a rebellion against exploitation. As John Peter Grant, the then lieutenant governor of Bengal, remarked, the movement was far more significant than a mere dispute over blue dye; it represented a broader resistance to colonial oppression.

Blue in India’s National Flag: A Lesser-Known Fourth Color

India’s national flag is often described as a tricolor, featuring saffron, white, and green. However, the flag also includes a fourth color: navy blue, found in the Ashok Chakra at its center. This wheel, a symbol of justice and dharma, resonates with the same values that blue represents in Dalit and anti-colonial movements.

During a lecture in 2008, former West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi pointed out that the Ashok Chakra embodies the ideals of social harmony and justice, aligning perfectly with the philosophies of both Gandhi and Ambedkar. As the Congress celebrates 100 years of Gandhi’s presidency in Karnataka, the adoption of the slogan Jai Bhim signifies an effort to bridge the ideological gap between Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar. While their approaches to social reform were different, the symbolism of blue offers common ground—a shared commitment to justice and equality.

In the 2024 general elections, the Opposition’s focus on caste census and social justice issues highlighted blue as a unifying force. By embracing this color, political parties sought to challenge the BJP’s narrative and redefine the electoral landscape.

The color blue has evolved from being a symbol of equality under the sky to a powerful metaphor of resistance and social justice in Indian politics. From Ambedkar’s blue suit to the indigo revolts and contemporary political statements, blue continues to inspire movements for change. As India grapples with its complex socio-political realities, the color blue stands as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice—a legacy that transcends caste, class, and colonial history.