New Delhi [India]: Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s demand for his resignation on Wednesday, asserting that stepping down would not impact the Congress party’s long-term political fortunes. Shah confidently stated that the Congress would remain in the opposition for the next 15 years.
Amit Shah’s Response:
“Kharge ji is asking for my resignation. If it would have made him happy, I would have resigned, but it will not end his problems because he will have to sit in the same place (in the opposition) for the next 15 years. My resignation will not change that,” Shah remarked during a press conference in the national capital.
The remarks came amidst a heated exchange following Shah’s statements during a Constitution Day debate in Rajya Sabha, which Congress leaders claimed were derogatory towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Congress’s Reaction:
Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, demanded an apology and Shah’s resignation. Addressing a press conference earlier in the day, Kharge also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Amit Shah if he truly respects Babasaheb Ambedkar.
“We demand that Amit Shah should apologize, and if PM Modi has faith in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, then Shah should be sacked by midnight. People are ready to protest and sacrifice for Dr. Ambedkar,” said Kharge.
He accused the BJP-led NDA government of disregarding the Constitution and insulting Ambedkar, stating, “Yesterday, Amit Shah said something which is very condemnable. It is unfortunate that a Dalit, who should be worshipped, was insulted.”
Kharge also criticized PM Modi for his public support of Shah’s remarks. “PM Modi made 6-7 tweets to defend Amit Shah. What was the need for this? If someone speaks wrongly about BR Ambedkar, they should be removed from the cabinet. But they are friends and support each other’s sins,” Kharge added.
PM Modi Defends Amit Shah:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Shah’s remarks in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the Home Minister exposed Congress’s “dark history of insulting Dr. Ambedkar.” Modi criticized the Congress for failing to empower Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities during its years in power.
“In Parliament, Amit Shah Ji exposed the Congress’ dark history of insulting Dr. Ambedkar and ignoring SC/ST communities. They are stung and stunned by the facts he presented, which is why they are now indulging in theatrics! Congress can try as they want, but people know the truth,” Modi wrote.
Background of the Row:
The controversy erupted after Amit Shah, in a debate marking 75 years of the Constitution, stated that taking Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion” among Opposition leaders, triggering backlash from Congress and other parties.
The political fallout underscores the deep-seated ideological and political divisions over Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and the broader discourse on caste and social justice in India.