Opposition warns of protests across the country as Prime Minister slams Congress and its 'rotten ecosystem'.
New Delhi: In yet another confrontation with the government, the Opposition parties called for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s “removal” from the Cabinet, accusing him of “insulting” Dalit icon Dr B R Ambedkar in his remarks in the Upper House of the Parliament this week.
Protests erupted in both Houses of Parliament, with Congress and other Opposition parties alleging Shah's remarks were disrespectful to Ambedkar. The uproar led to adjournments in both Houses.
Replying to the two-day debate in Rajya Sabha on the ‘Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India’, Shah had said: “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai — Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar… Itna naam agar Bhagwan ka lete toh saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (There is a fashion these days — Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar… Had you chanted the name of God these many times, you would have been blessed with heaven in seven births).”
Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of distorting his statement. (Photo courtesy: X@sansad_tv)
In a press conference, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called for Shah’s apology and warned that there would be widespread protests if the Prime Minister failed to take action. "Our demand is that Amit Shah should apologize, and if PM Modi truly has faith in Dr Ambedkar, he must be sacked by midnight. He has no right to remain in the Cabinet. If he is not removed, the people will protest. They are willing to sacrifice their lives for Dr Ambedkar,” Kharge said.
Calling on PM Narendra Modi to act “before midnight”, the Opposition parties also staged protests outside, displaying Ambedkar’s photographs and raising slogans like, “Amit Shah maafi maango; Babasaheb ka apmaan, nahin sahega Hindustan (Amit Shah, apologize; Babasaheb’s insult will not be tolerated).”
In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the Congress party, accusing it of indulging in every possible dirty trick to obliterate the legacy of Dr Ambedkar and also humiliate the SC/ST communities.
Taking to his X, PM Modi wrote: “In Parliament, HM Amit Shah ji exposed the Congress’ dark history of insulting Dr. Ambedkar and ignoring the SC/ST Communities. They are clearly stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics! Sadly, for them, people know the truth!”
"If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think their malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr. Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!"
Shah held a press conference accusing the Congress of “distorting” his statement made in the Rajya Sabha to create an “illusion” that he insulted Ambedkar.
Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati accused both the BJP and Congress of exploiting Ambedkar’s name for political gains. “Instead of using Dr B R Ambedkar as a tool for their political benefits, the BJP, Congress, and their allies must truly respect and honor his legacy."
