New Delhi [India], December 19: A heated standoff between NDA and INDIA Bloc MPs in Parliament on Thursday over the Babasaheb Ambedkar controversy prompted Congress MP Shashi Tharoor to remark that Ambedkar’s legacy and the Constitution have unfortunately become politically contested issues. He described the ongoing back-and-forth as “absurd on both sides,” emphasizing the need to focus on contemporary issues rather than continuing the dispute.
“You can see the video on the Parliament television. Unfortunately, Ambedkar’s legacy and the Constitution itself have become a battleground politically. This is becoming a bit absurd on both sides. We need to move on to the problems of today and tomorrow,” Tharoor said. He further called on the BJP to provide the correct video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s speech in the Rajya Sabha if the one circulating was incorrect, adding that the opposition remained united on the matter.
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also weighed in, stating that the party would continue to protest peacefully until Home Minister Amit Shah resigns and apologizes for his remarks. “The entire world has seen what Amit Shah has said. It was a live telecast. He is lying after that. This country can’t tolerate the insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Tiwari said.
Samajwadi Party leader Jaya Bachchan criticized the disrespect shown to Ambedkar, stressing that India would not tolerate it. “The leaders of our country who gave us freedom and the Constitution have been pushed behind… His plaque calls him the protector of backward classes. He was the protector of the entire country, of the Constitution,” Bachchan said.
SP MP Iqra Hasan added that the BJP’s actions contradicted their words, stating that Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of rights for all citizens should be upheld. “This display is in protest of Amit Shah’s disappointing comments. Babasaheb didn’t just talk about the rights of backward classes and Dalits, but everyone’s rights in the Constitution,” she remarked.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi demanded an apology from Amit Shah. “The way the Home Minister spoke was wrong and objectionable. He must apologize,” Pratapgarhi said.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav condemned the disrespect shown to Ambedkar, calling for an apology from the BJP. “The insult that Baba Saheb has faced is condemnable. We want the BJP to apologize for this,” Yadav said.
Amid these protests, BJP MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi alleged he was injured after being pushed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Sarangi claimed that another MP fell on him after being pushed by Gandhi, causing him injury. Sarangi was later rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Responding to these allegations, Rahul Gandhi defended his actions, stating that he was trying to enter Parliament when he was pushed by BJP MPs who were blocking his way. Gandhi also claimed that Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge was pushed as well. “Yes, this has happened. But we do not get affected by jostling. But this is the entrance and we have the right to go in,” Gandhi said.
As protests from both Treasury and Opposition benches continued, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned until 2 pm on Thursday.