The Congress party will stage nationwide protests on December 24 (Tuesday) to oppose Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, which have sparked widespread controversy.
A circular issued by K. C. Venugopal, Congress General Secretary (Organisation), calls for a coordinated demonstration under the banner of the ‘Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman March’ across all districts of the country.
Key Highlights of the Congress Protest Plans
- Nationwide Protests:
- Congress workers will march in districts, beginning with the garlanding of Ambedkar’s statue.
- The march will conclude with the submission of a memorandum to District Magistrates, demanding respect for Ambedkar’s legacy.
- Press Conferences by Leaders:
- Congress MPs and Central Working Committee (CWC) members will hold press conferences in their respective constituencies on December 22 and 23 to address Shah’s comments.
- Remarks at the Core of the Controversy:
During the Parliament’s winter session on December 18, Amit Shah commented, “If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have got heaven for seven lives.”Congress has denounced this statement as an “insult” to Ambedkar, demanding an apology and Shah’s resignation.
Political and Physical Clashes
The protests in Parliament have led to heated confrontations between the INDIA bloc MPs and BJP members. Allegations have surfaced about physical altercations:
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge claimed he was pushed by BJP MPs during a face-off near Parliament.
- BJP MPs Pratap Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were reportedly injured during the clashes.
Congress Leaders Respond
Addressing the media alongside Rahul Gandhi, Kharge accused Shah and the BJP of disregarding Ambedkar’s legacy. He criticized the BJP for using Ambedkar’s name for political gain while failing to uphold his ideals.
Kharge said, “The statements made by Amit Shah and others about Dr. B. R. Ambedkar are baseless and offensive. They should focus on facts instead of insulting icons like Nehru and Ambedkar.”
BJP’s Counter-Protests
The BJP has rejected the Congress’s accusations, asserting that it has been at the forefront of honoring Ambedkar’s contributions. Parallel protests by BJP members have accused the Congress of using Ambedkar’s name selectively to suit their political agenda.
Broader Implications
The escalating war of words underscores the enduring significance of Ambedkar’s legacy in Indian politics. With both sides staking claims over his ideals, the issue has become a flashpoint ahead of critical state and general elections.
Congress’s planned protests aim to solidify its position as a defender of Ambedkar’s legacy, while the BJP seeks to counter these efforts by emphasizing its own contributions to Dalit upliftment and social justice.