Amit Shah’s Statement on Ambedkar in Rajya Sabha Sparks Opposition Protests Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, where he said, “These days, taking Ambedkar’s name has become a fashion,” led to a strong backlash from opposition parties. Congress, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), and other opposition parties accused him of insulting Ambedkar and the Constitution. Mallikarjun Kharge demanded an apology and resignation from Shah, while Mamata Banerjee called it an attack on the Constitution. Uddhav Thackeray targeted the RSS, and Mayawati accused both BJP and Congress of using Ambedkar’s name for political gain. Rahul Gandhi called it part of BJP’s anti-Constitution agenda. Protests erupted both inside and outside Parliament.
During the ongoing winter session of Parliament, while discussing the Constitution in Rajya Sabha, Amit Shah’s statement gave the opposition a chance to unite and attack the government. He said, “These days, taking Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s name has become a fashion. Ambedkar-ambedkar is taken in every discussion. If people took God’s name like that, they would reach heaven.” This statement triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties like Congress, TMC, Shiv Sena (UBT), and others, who not only deemed it an insult to Ambedkar but also an affront to the Constitution and the Dalit community.
Kharge Demands Apology and Resignation
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge termed Shah’s statement as unacceptable and demanded an apology and resignation. He said, “This statement exposes the government’s negative attitude toward the Constitution. Baba Saheb’s name is not a fashion, but an inspiration for millions of Dalits and backward communities. Amit Shah must immediately withdraw his words and apologize.”
https://x.com/kharge/status/1869272129801441391?t=-9GXEPr2Nn6BC-BuwFercA&s=19
Mamata Banerjee’s Rebuttal: Attack on Constitution
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called Shah’s remark an insult to both Baba Saheb and the Constitution’s drafting committee members. She said, “This is not only an insult to Baba Saheb, but to every member of the Constitution’s drafting committee. Ambedkar’s ideas are a guiding light not only for Dalits but for all Indians. This statement is a direct attack on the Constitution.” Mamata also criticized BJP’s ideology, claiming the party was working in a direction completely opposite to the ideals of the Constitution.
Uddhav Thackeray Targets RSS
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said, “Amit Shah’s statement reflects the real agenda of BJP and RSS. RSS has always tried to alter the Constitution, and Shah’s statement exposes their intentions.” Thackeray added that BJP’s top leaders would not dare make such a statement without RSS’s backing. He demanded strict action against Shah from Prime Minister Modi.
Mayawati’s Statement: Attack on Both Parties
BSP leader Mayawati also joined the controversy, accusing both BJP and Congress of exploiting Ambedkar’s name for political purposes. She said, “Both BJP and Congress use Baba Saheb’s name to boost their own political agendas. The legal rights Baba Saheb gave to Dalits and backward communities are our real heaven. Both parties must stop using his name for political gain.”
Rahul Gandhi’s Sharp Criticism
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, “Amit Shah’s statement reflects BJP’s anti-constitutional agenda. BJP has always talked about changing the Constitution. This statement reveals their true face. Everyone in India knows what Baba Saheb did for this country, but BJP and RSS have consistently worked against the Constitution and Dalit interests.”
Protests in Parliament Against BJP
Following Shah’s statement, opposition parties staged strong protests both inside and outside Parliament. Congress, TMC, Shiv Sena, and others accused BJP of disrespecting Ambedkar and his ideas, raising questions about the government’s policies towards the Dalit community and the Constitution.
What Does Amit Shah’s Statement Mean?
Amit Shah’s statement has become a significant political controversy for the BJP. Opposition parties are attempting to use it to highlight the RSS’s ideology and BJP’s strategies. However, the government has yet to issue a concrete response to calm the controversy.
Why the Debate Over the Constitution and Ambedkar?
Shah’s statement points to the political polarization regarding Ambedkar and the Constitution, with BJP and opposition parties at odds. While the opposition sees it as an attack on Dalits and the Constitution, BJP dismisses it as a political accusation. This controversy has sparked a fresh debate in both Parliament and the broader national political and social discourse.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
