Congress leader Sachin Pilot has condemned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Babasaheb Ambedkar during a recent Parliament session, calling them insulting. Pilot demanded an apology from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the comments have hurt the sentiments of many.
Key Statements by Sachin Pilot
- On Amit Shah’s Remarks:
Pilot said, “The way the ruling party is insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar is unfortunate. The Home Minister’s true feelings about Ambedkar Saheb came out in Parliament. The entire BJP should apologize for this insult.” - On Parliament Confrontations:
He accused the BJP of creating chaos in Parliament and targeting Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge to divert public attention.- “Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge were stopped from entering Parliament, and false cases were filed against them. This drama by the BJP is an attempt to save themselves and distract the public.”
Protests Across India
The remarks have triggered widespread protests:
- Indian Youth Congress Protest:
In Delhi, Youth Congress workers staged a demonstration against Amit Shah’s comments. Police deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd and detained several protesters. - Bahujan Samaj Party’s Call for Nationwide Protests:
BSP Chief Mayawati has called for nationwide demonstrations on December 24, criticizing Shah’s remarks as deeply offensive.- “Babasaheb Ambedkar is as revered as God for many in the country. Disrespecting him has hurt the hearts of people across all sections of society,” she said.
- Mayawati has demanded an apology from the Home Minister and urged him to withdraw his statement.
Amit Shah’s Controversial Remarks
The controversy stems from Shah’s comments in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the Constitution’s 75th anniversary. He accused the Congress of making it a “fashion” to invoke Ambedkar’s name, stating, “If they had taken the name of God so many times instead of Ambedkar, they would have gotten heaven for seven lives.”
Political Fallout
The incident has sparked a political firestorm:
- Congress Criticism:
Congress leaders have lambasted the BJP, accusing it of hypocrisy and disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy. - BJP’s Response:
The BJP has dismissed the criticism as politically motivated, asserting its commitment to honoring Ambedkar’s contributions to Indian society.
The issue has become a focal point of political discourse, with the opposition using it to rally support and highlight perceived disrespect for Ambedkar by the ruling party.