The controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha escalated on Wednesday, with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanding Shah’s immediate removal from the Union Cabinet. Kharge also warned of nationwide protests if Prime Minister Narendra Modi failed to act by midnight.
Speaking at a press conference, Kharge accused Amit Shah of disrespecting the legacy of Dr. BR Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution and an iconic Dalit leader. He called for Shah’s resignation and issued a direct challenge to the Prime Minister.
Watch glimpses of the presser below:
हमारी मांग:
• यदि कोई व्यक्ति संविधान की शपथ लेकर मंत्री बनता है और फिर संविधान का अपमान करता है, तो उसे कैबिनेट में रहने का कोई अधिकार नहीं है।
• अमित शाह को फौरन कैबिनेट से बर्खास्त किया जाना चाहिए।
अगर इस्तीफ़ा नहीं होगा तो पूरे देश में विरोध प्रदर्शन होंगे।
बाबासाहेब… pic.twitter.com/5K7uTQZxaC
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 18, 2024
BJP-RSS और उनके राजनीतिक पूर्वजों ने कभी संविधान को सम्मान नहीं दिया।
इनके राजनीतिक पूर्वजों ने कभी संविधान को स्वीकार नहीं किया, उसकी प्रतियां जलाईं। इन लोगों ने तिरंगे को भी नहीं अपनाया।
उनका कहना था कि संविधान में मनुस्मृति की बातें नहीं हैं, इसलिए इसे नहीं मानेंगे। इसके… pic.twitter.com/MDQPrnldDz
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 18, 2024
“Our demand is that Amit Shah should apologise, and if PM Modi truly respects Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he should sack Shah by midnight,” Kharge said. He further added, “He has no right to remain in the Cabinet. If no action is taken, people will take to the streets. People are ready to sacrifice their lives for Dr. BR Ambedkar.”
Amit Shah’s Controversial Remarks
The row began after Amit Shah, during a parliamentary debate marking 75 years of the Constitution, remarked that taking Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion” among Opposition leaders. Shah questioned the sincerity of those invoking Ambedkar’s legacy, alleging that they had historically sidelined the Dalit leader. His comments sparked outrage across the political spectrum.
ALSO READ: TMC MP Derek O’Brien moves privilege notice against Amit Shah over Ambedkar remarks
Kharge’s statement adds to the growing pressure on the BJP, as multiple Opposition parties have united in condemning Shah’s remarks. Protests have erupted in Parliament, with Opposition MPs staging demonstrations holding pictures of Dr. Ambedkar. The Trinamool Congress, led by Derek O’Brien, has already filed a privilege notice against Shah for allegedly undermining Parliament’s dignity.
BJP Defends Amit Shah
The BJP, however, has stood firmly behind Amit Shah. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has defended Shah’s statements, accusing the Congress of historically undermining Ambedkar. In a series of social media posts, Modi highlighted Congress’s past actions, including alleged efforts to marginalize Ambedkar and deny him a Bharat Ratna during his lifetime.
ALSO READ: Political storm erupts over Amit Shah’s ‘fashion’ remarks on BR Ambedkar
Kharge’s call for Shah’s removal and his warning of mass protests highlight the deep emotional connection many Indians feel toward Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. As the controversy continues, it underscores the enduring political and social significance of Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s democracy and the challenges of navigating caste dynamics in contemporary politics.
The Opposition’s demand for action against Amit Shah has set the stage for a high-stakes political confrontation. Whether PM Modi and the BJP act on these demands or maintain their stance defending Shah will determine the trajectory of this controversy. For now, all eyes remain on the government’s response and the possibility of intensified protests across the nation.
