House was suspended until afternoon today (Wednesday the 18th) as controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Dr B.R. Ambedkar ignited significant political, between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party.
During a debate in the Rajya Sabha commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, Shah suggested that invoking Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion” among Congress leaders, stating, “If they had taken God’s name as often, they would have secured a place in heaven”.
This comment was met with immediate backlash from Congress, which accused Shah of disrespecting Ambedkar, a revered national, Dalit, and legal figure and the architect of the Constitution. Prominent Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded Shah’s resignation and an apology, asserting that his remarks reflected a broader disdain for Ambedkar’s legacy and the values he championed.
The BJP, in response, defended Shah, claiming that the Congress has historically undermined Ambedkar and his contributions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported Shah, accusing the Congress of attempting to erase Ambedkar’s legacy while failing to empower marginalised communities during its time in power.
Jargon
- Amit Shah: A prominent Indian politician and member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently serving as the Union Home Minister. He is known for his influential role in Indian politics and has been a key figure in various controversies.
- BR Ambedkar: Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an Indian jurist, economist, and social reformer, best known as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He is revered as a champion of social justice and rights for marginalised communities, particularly Dalits.
- Congress: The Indian National Congress, one of the major political parties in India, historically associated with the Indian independence movement. It has been a significant player in Indian politics and often opposes the ruling BJP.
- Dalit: A term used to describe a group of people in India who were historically marginalised and oppressed, often associated with the lower castes. Ambedkar was a key figure in advocating for their rights.
Viewpoints 💭
‘Left’ Viewpoint
Ideological Differences
‘Right’ Viewpoint
- The left criticises Amit Shah’s remarks as disrespectful to Ambedkar, viewing them as part of a broader BJP-RSS agenda against Ambedkar’s ideals.
- Congress leaders argue that Shah’s comments reflect a historical disdain from BJP and RSS towards Ambedkar and the Constitution.
- The left accuses the BJP of using Ambedkar’s name superficially for political gain while opposing his vision of social justice.
- Opposition parties demand Shah’s resignation and an apology, interpreting his remarks as an insult to Ambedkar and the Dalit community.
- The left highlights the BJP’s alleged historical actions against Ambedkar, including electoral defeats and denial of honors, as evidence of their disrespect.
- The left views Shah’s remarks as a continuation of BJP’s alleged historical opposition to Ambedkar’s ideals, while the right sees them as a critique of Congress’s superficial use of Ambedkar’s legacy.
- While the left demands accountability and an apology from Shah, the right defends his statements as factual and necessary to expose Congress’s past actions against Ambedkar.
- The left accuses the BJP of disrespecting Ambedkar and the Dalit community, whereas the right argues that Congress has historically failed to honour Ambedkar’s contributions.
- The left interprets Shah’s comments as an insult to Ambedkar’s legacy, while the right claims they highlight Congress’s hypocrisy and misuse of Ambedkar’s name for political gain.
- The left emphasises the need for genuine respect for Ambedkar and his ideals, contrasting with the right’s focus on Congress’s alleged historical neglect of Ambedkar and marginalised communities.
- The right defends Amit Shah’s remarks, arguing that they were taken out of context and aimed at exposing Congress’s hypocrisy regarding Ambedkar.
- BJP leaders accuse Congress of historically undermining Ambedkar’s legacy and failing to empower marginalised communities during their rule.
- The right emphasises their commitment to Ambedkar’s vision through various initiatives and accuses Congress of using his name for political purposes.
- Prime Minister Modi supports Shah, highlighting Congress’s past actions against Ambedkar and accusing them of spreading false narratives.
Prominent Voices 📣
From the ‘Left’
From the ‘Right’
- Rahul Gandhi (Congress leader): Criticised Amit Shah’s remarks, associating them with a belief in Manusmriti and opposing Ambedkar’s principles.
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- Mallikarjun Kharge (Congress president): Accused Shah of insulting Ambedkar and highlighted BJP-RSS’s historical opposition to Ambedkar’s ideals, demanding Shah’s resignation.
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- Jairam Ramesh (Congress General Secretary for Communications): Condemned Shah’s dismissal of Ambedkar’s significance in his speech.
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- Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi Chief Minister): Criticised PM Modi’s defense of Shah, accusing the BJP of disrespecting Ambedkar and inflaming public anger.
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- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister): Criticised Amit Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar, accusing BJP of disrespecting great leaders and being anti-constitution.
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- Neeraj Dangi (Congress MP): Demanded Shah’s resignation, stating his remarks were offensive to the Dalit community.
- Ambadas Danve (Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Council): Raised concerns about Amit Shah’s statement on Ambedkar and questioned the denial of discussion on the issue.
- Nana Patole (Senior Congress leader): Asserted that the statement reflects the BJP’s longstanding resentment toward Ambedkar and condemned it.
- Bhai Jagtap (Congress MLA): Described the statement as unfortunate and a result of the government’s arrogance, which he sees as dangerous for democracy.
- Mayawati (BSP chief): Criticised Congress and BJP for exploiting Ambedkar’s name for political purposes, urging them to genuinely respect him and his contributions.
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- Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India): Defended Amit Shah’s remarks, accusing Congress of historically disrespecting Ambedkar and failing SC/ST communities.
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- Amit Shah (Union Home Minister): Criticised Congress for frequently using Ambedkar’s name without genuine respect, suggesting it has become a trend for them.
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- Kiren Rijiju (Union Minister): Defended Shah, accusing Congress of misrepresenting his speech and misusing Ambedkar’s name.
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- Arjun Ram Meghwal (Union Law Minister): Accused Congress of historically sidelining Ambedkar and recognising him only when convenient.
- Ravi Shankar Prasad (BJP MP): Accused Congress of spreading lies and disrespecting Ambedkar, citing historical instances of mistreatment.
- CR Kesavan (BJP National Spokesperson): Defended Amit Shah’s speech, highlighting Congress’s past constitutional misdeeds.
- Pradeep Bhandari (BJP spokesperson): Accused Congress of spreading fake news and stated Shah was exposing Congress’s reality.
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Sources 📚
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Mint – ’Burned Baba Saheb’s effigies..’ Congress demands apology from Amit Shah over controversial remarks on Ambedkar
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NewsX – ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…’: Amit Shah’s Controversial Remarks Spark Protests, Congress Demands Resignation
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The Times of India – ‘Stung and stunned’: PM Modi lists Congress ‘sins’ against Ambedkar, defends Amit Shah
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Millennium Post – Both houses adjourned amid uproar over Amit Shah’s Ambedkar remarks; Congress demands resignation of Home …
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Business Today – ‘Rubbing salt to Dalit wounds’: Kejriwal slams PM Modi’s defence of Amit Shah’s Ambedkar remark
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The Hawk – Arvind Kejriwal Questions BJP Allies TDP, JD(U) Over Amit Shah’s Ambedkar Remarks
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TheNewsMill – Tejashwi Yadav hits out at Amit Shah over remarks on Ambedkar, says Babasaheb is their “fashion and passion”
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Free Press Journal – Babasaheb Ambedkar Is No Less Than God, Congress MP Kumari Selja On Amit Shahs Remark
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The Times of India – Amit Shah’s statement on BR Ambedkar rocks Maharashtra Legislative Council; opposition walks out
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The Times of India – ‘BJP’s true intentions revealed’: Maharashtra opposition leaders criticise Amit Shah’s controversial rema
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Devdiscourse – Tejashwi Yadav Accuses Amit Shah of Anti-Ambedkar Comments Amidst Political Uproar
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ETV Bharat – Exposed Congress’ Dark History Of Insulting Ambedkar: PM Modi Defends Amit Shah Amid Row Over ‘Fashion’ Remarks
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Bizz Buzz – Amit Shah Ambedkar Remark: Both Parliament Houses Adjourned Till Tomorrow
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Lagatar News (Lagatar24.com) – PM Modi Defends Amit Shah Amid Congress Outrage Over Ambedkar Remark
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The Hawk – Kharge Demands Amit Shah’s Resignation Over Remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar
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Devdiscourse – Congress Demands Amit Shah’s Resignation Over Ambedkar Remarks
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The Hawk – Ravi Shankar Prasad Slams Congress for Spreading Lies Amid Row Over Amit Shah’s Ambedkar Remarks
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The Hawk – Arvind Kejriwal Slams BJP’s ‘Arrogance’ Over Amit Shah’s Remarks on Ambedkar
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NewsBytes – Congress vs BJP in Parliament over Shah’s Ambedkar ‘fashion’ remark
