Opposition Parties Protest Amit Shah's Remarks on BR Ambedkar

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 18 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statements on BR Ambedkar triggered protests from opposition parties, forcing the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to adjourn till 2 p.m. on Wednesday. The Congress requested Shah's resignation and an apology for insulting Ambedkar during the Constitution debate in the Upper House. 

Shah's remarks spark controversy

While concluding a discussion on the Constitution's 75-year journey, Amit Shah restrained the Congress for repeatedly mentioning Ambedkar's name, stating, "It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar." If they had taken God's name so many times, they would have earned a place in paradise." Opposition members were incensed by the statement, which they saw as a disrespect to Ambedkar's legacy. 

Congress Leads the Charge

Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, protested by displaying portraits of Ambedkar in the Parliament complex. Kharge stated, "We all protested today against this. I demand he resign. The Congress said that Shah's remarks damaged Ambedkar's contributions to India's democracy and federal system.

BJP defends Shah

The BJP dismissed the protests as political theater, accused the opposition of manipulating chosen footage to mislead the public. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the government's efforts to honour Ambedkar, saying, "We have done many things to pay tributes to him." The BJP also claimed that Ambedkar was denied the Bharat Ratna under Congress control.

Historical Context Highlighted

In response, the BJP reminded the opposition of Ambedkar's resignation from Nehru's government in 1951, claiming that the Congress conspired to destroy him politically. Rijiju continued, "They defeated him again. So, he had to take deeksha in Nagpur and then withdraw from politics." This tale attempted to highlight Congress's prior apathy to Ambedkar.

Protests Persist During Debate

Despite heated discussions, opposition groups promised to continue their rallies and demanded an apology from Shah. The controversy has shifted the attention to how political parties use Ambedkar's legacy to advance their interests. The day's parliamentary sessions revealed the widening gap between the ruling party and the opposition on sensitive matters.

As Parliament reconvenes, the issue around Shah's statements is expected to dominate talks, highlighting the ongoing tensions between India's political groups.

 By Manasa Permulla