Opposition Stages Protests Over Amit Shah’s Remarks on BR Ambedkar

Opposition parties, led by Congress, protested against Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar during a Constitution debate, demanding his resignation. Shah criticized Congress for overusing Ambedkar’s name, sparking outrage. The BJP accused Congress of hypocrisy, defending its commitment to Ambedkar’s legacy. Both Houses were adjourned amid uproar.

Parliament witnessed uproar on Wednesday as opposition parties protested against Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on BR Ambedkar during a Constitution debate in the Rajya Sabha. The Congress demanded Shah’s resignation and an apology, accusing him of disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy.

Concluding the two-day debate on India’s Constitution, Shah criticized the Congress for invoking Ambedkar’s name repeatedly, remarking, “If they had taken God’s name as many times, they would have earned a place in heaven.” The comment drew sharp criticism, with opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, staging protests in the Parliament complex, holding photos of Ambedkar.

Kharge called Shah’s remarks offensive, stating, “We were silent during the Constitution debate, but this is unacceptable. We demand his resignation.”

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju defended Shah, accusing the Congress of hypocrisy regarding Ambedkar’s legacy. He highlighted that Ambedkar had to resign from Nehru’s cabinet and was defeated in elections allegedly inspired by Congress. Rijiju further claimed the BJP, under Prime Minister Modi, has done more to honor Ambedkar’s ideals than any previous government, emphasizing initiatives to preserve Ambedkar’s legacy.

The BJP also accused opposition parties of circulating manipulated video clips of Shah’s speech to fuel controversy. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until 2 PM amid the heated protests.

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As the row intensifies, the incident underscores deep political divides over Ambedkar’s legacy and its interpretation in modern India’s political landscape.