Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused the BJP of orchestrating chaos in the Parliament complex on Thursday to divert attention from Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about BR Ambedkar. Holding a copy of the Constitution during a press conference, Gandhi emphasized that the BJP’s “anti-constitutional” mindset seeks to diminish Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s democracy.
Congress Calls for Accountability
Rahul Gandhi stated that Shah’s remarks were a reflection of the BJP’s disregard for Ambedkar’s legacy. “The Home Minister exposed this mindset. We called for an apology and a resignation, which did not happen. Today, they began a new distraction,” said Gandhi. He alleged that BJP MPs blocked Opposition members with sticks as they attempted to enter Parliament.
BJP संविधान पर वार नहीं कर सकती तो संविधान निर्माता पर ही हमला करने लगे है !
कांग्रेस पार्टी और हमारे सहयोगी दल रोज़ अमित शाह के बाबासाहेब के ख़िलाफ़ अपमानजनक बयान के विरोध में PM से उनके इस्तीफे की माँग कर रहे हैं।
कल भी यहाँ Press Conference किया था। उन्हें सदन में आकर देश… pic.twitter.com/3ITsXQbUhq
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 19, 2024
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, condemning Shah’s remarks as deeply offensive. “He refused to accept he had done anything wrong. We demanded his resignation or that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sack him, but neither happened. This movement will become a national one,” Kharge declared.
Clashes Between Congress and BJP MPs
Both parties have filed complaints alleging misconduct during protests outside Parliament. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing BJP MP Mukesh Rajput, causing him to fall on fellow MP Pratap Sarangi, resulting in injuries. Nagaland MP Phangnon Konyak also alleged that Gandhi misbehaved with her.
ALSO READ: Case against Rahul Gandhi for ‘pushing’ BJP MPs
In contrast, the Congress claimed that Kharge, an 84-year-old Dalit leader, was pushed by BJP members during the altercation. Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, “We have come here to file a complaint against this act.”
The Ambedkar Remark and Aftermath
The controversy erupted after Amit Shah, during a Rajya Sabha debate commemorating 75 years of the Constitution, stated, “It has become the fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar… If they (the Opposition) took God’s name so many times, they would get a place in heaven.”
The Congress and Trinamool Congress have filed privilege motions against Shah, accusing him of disrespecting Ambedkar. Nationwide protests have been organized by Congress to demand Shah’s resignation.
BJP’s Defense and Counter-Claims
Amit Shah held a press conference accusing Congress of distorting facts to deflect attention from its historical record on democracy and the Constitution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also defended Shah, stating, “Malicious lies cannot hide the Congress’ misdeeds of several years.”
ALSO READ: ‘His physical proximity made me feel uncomfortable’: Woman BJP MP files complaint against Rahul Gandhi
The BJP has doubled down on its counter-protests, accusing the Opposition of disrespecting Ambedkar and labeling their actions as attempts to undermine democratic institutions.
The altercation has further deepened the divide between the ruling BJP and the Opposition, with both sides ramping up accusations and protests. The Congress has vowed to escalate its movement into a nationwide campaign, while the BJP has pledged to defend its leaders and policies.
With privilege motions filed and police complaints lodged, the political temperature in the capital continues to rise. As the Winter Session of Parliament progresses, this conflict is expected to dominate discussions in the coming days.
