Parliament Erupts Over Ambedkar Remarks: NDA and INDIA Bloc Clash

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 19 : The Parliament complex was the scene of increased tensions on Thursday, as MPs from the ruling NDA and the opposition INDIA bloc participated in passionate protests in response to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent comments regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. 

Congress Leaders Lead Protest March

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge started the protests by marching from the Ambedkar monument inside the Parliament complex to the Parliament House alongside party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. They yelled "Jai Bhim" to let their anger clear itself.

The BJP Answers with a Counter-Protest

The BJP MPs answered by planning their own protest in which they charged the Congress with humiliating Dr. Ambedkar. Though the Gandhi family has been honoured, Union Minister Giriraj Singh attacked them pointing out that Dr. Ambedkar has not received the Bharat Ratna.

Physical Clash Amidst Protests

The protests escalated into a physical dispute when BJP MPs alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pushed two of their lawmakers, Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, causing them injuries. Both MPs were later hospitalized for treatment.

Opposition Demands Apology and Resignation

Reacting to Amit Shah's remarks on Dr. Ambedkar, the opposition is asking for an apology and a resignation from him. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari claims they will continue their peaceful protest until Shah answers their complaints.

Government Defends Shah's Statements

The government says the Congress party is trying to politicize the matter and that Shah's remarks were misread. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah have claimed over their term that the Congress is erasing Dr. Ambedkar's heritage.

Shashi Tharoor Critiques Both Sides

Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor voiced concerns about the politicization of Dr. Ambedkar's legacy, saying the conditions "a bit absurd on both sides."

The continuous demonstrations highlight the in-built political differences in India since both the NDA and the INDIA bloc use Dr. Ambedkar's legacy to forward their own goals. More changes are expected; hence the situation is still tense.

 By Manasa Permulla