New Delhi, December 19: Chaos erupted in Parliament as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs staged protests against the Congress over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The protests followed Shah’s accusations that the Congress party has historically disrespected Ambedkar and his legacy.
BJP MPs chanted slogans like “Babasaheb Ambedkar ji ka apmaan nahi chalega” (Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar will not be tolerated) while holding banners that read, “Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled.” Union Minister Giriraj Singh targeted the Gandhi family, accusing them of dishonoring Ambedkar while receiving the Bharat Ratna themselves.
Singh demanded an apology from the Congress, suggesting that the family should atone for their alleged sins by fasting for 24 hours in silence. He also reiterated that Congress had not given Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna during their tenure.
The protests intensified after Shah’s press conference, where he defended his remarks and dismissed Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s demand for his resignation. Shah accused the Congress of distorting his words and said his resignation would not change the party’s political fate, suggesting Congress would remain in opposition for the next 15 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported Shah’s statements, accusing Congress of a long history of undermining Ambedkar, citing instances such as Nehru’s opposition to Ambedkar’s election bids and the delay in awarding him the Bharat Ratna.
In response, Kharge condemned Shah’s remarks and urged Prime Minister Modi to dismiss him, accusing the BJP and RSS of undermining the Constitution and supporting Manusmriti. Congress also threatened nationwide protests if Shah did not resign.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between the ruling BJP and opposition parties over issues related to Ambedkar’s legacy and the respect he deserves.