Date: December 19, 2024
Opposition Unites Against Amit Shah’s Remarks on DR Ambedkar
Shah’s Remarks on BR Ambedkar Spark Uproar in Parliament
A controversial remark by Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Dr. BR Ambedkar, the Dalit leader and Father of the Constitution, has united Opposition parties in Parliament. The statement has drawn sharp criticism and protests, with demands for Shah’s resignation gaining momentum.
The Controversial Remark on BR Ambedkar
During a session in the Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah commented, “It has become a fashion now to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar.’ Had you taken God’s name so many times, you would have got a place in heaven.”
The statement quickly went viral, sparking outrage across social media platforms. Opposition parties labeled the comment as disrespectful to Ambedkar’s legacy, leading to widespread condemnation.
Opposition Unites in Protest
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi spearheaded the INDIA bloc’s protests, demanding Amit Shah’s dismissal for his remarks. Gandhi joined hands with Samajwadi Party (SP) MPs, who were holding a separate protest, merging their demonstrations into a united front.
Adding to the pressure, Trinamool Congress supported Prakash Ambedkar, Dr. Ambedkar’s grandson, sharing his tweets criticizing Shah. Meanwhile, AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal reached out to TDP and JD(U), emphasizing the need to respect Ambedkar’s legacy.
AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge escalated the matter, calling for Shah’s resignation. He stated, “If Modi respected Ambedkar, Shah should be dismissed by midnight.”
Modi Defends Shah
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stepped in to defend the Home Minister, countering the Opposition’s allegations. Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Shah had exposed the Congress’s historical neglect of Dr. Ambedkar and the SC/ST communities.
Shah, in response to Kharge’s demand, retorted that even if he resigned, Congress would remain in the Opposition for the next 15 years.
A New Rallying Point for the Opposition
Following controversies over Adani and EVMs, Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar have provided the Opposition with a fresh issue to corner the ruling party. Protests disrupted both Houses of Parliament, leading to adjournments amidst heated debates.
Conclusion
The uproar over Amit Shah’s comments has highlighted the enduring influence of Dr. BR Ambedkar’s legacy in Indian politics. With the Opposition uniting over the issue, it remains to be seen how the BJP will navigate this storm.