Congress demands Shah’s resignation, BJP defends his stance, and Parliament sees adjournments amid escalating controversy.
New Delhi, December 19: A storm erupted in Parliament on Wednesday after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar during his speech in the Rajya Sabha sparked protests from the Congress and other opposition members. The uproar led to adjournments in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, while the issue escalated into a major political confrontation.
Congress Seeks Resignation
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Shah’s resignation, alleging that his comments insulted Ambedkar and the Constitution. Kharge, addressing a press conference, warned of nationwide protests if Shah does not step down.
“If someone insults the Constitution after taking an oath to protect it, they have no right to remain in the cabinet. Amit Shah should resign immediately,” said Kharge. He accused the BJP-led government of undermining the values of the Constitution and claimed that the BJP-RSS does not believe in the principles of democracy or the legacy of Ambedkar.
Kharge also targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of supporting Shah’s remarks through tweets instead of reprimanding him.
Amit Shah Defends Remarks
In a press conference, Shah accused Congress of distorting his statements and reiterated that his party has always upheld Ambedkar’s principles.
“Congress has always been anti-Ambedkar, anti-Constitution, and anti-reservation,” said Shah. He added that Congress had defeated Ambedkar in elections, denied him a Bharat Ratna, and ignored his contributions to the nation’s democratic framework.
Shah dismissed the resignation demand, stating, “Kharge can demand my resignation, but it won’t change Congress’s political fate. They will remain in opposition for the next 15 years.”
PM Modi Backs Shah
Prime Minister Modi came to Shah’s defense, accusing Congress of having a dark history of insulting Ambedkar.
“In Parliament, Shah exposed Congress’s history of sidelining Ambedkar. They are stung because they can’t refute these facts,” Modi tweeted. The PM highlighted his government’s efforts to honor Ambedkar, including developing key memorial sites associated with the leader.
Parliamentary Tensions Escalate
Opposition MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest in Parliament premises, holding placards condemning Shah’s remarks. BJP leaders hit back, with Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal accusing Congress of sidelining Ambedkar and only taking his name for political gain.
“Congress defeated Ambedkar twice and sidelined him for decades. Now they are taking his name out of compulsion,” Meghwal said in the Lok Sabha.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticized Congress, highlighting that Ambedkar’s legacy was ignored by the party until recently.
Political Fallout
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned twice during the day, reflecting the high political tensions over the controversy. As the war of words continues, both sides remain firm on their stances, with Congress planning protests and the BJP considering legal action against opposition leaders.
