The Congress has escalated its attack on Home Minister Amit Shah following his controversial remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The party demanded Shah’s resignation and an apology in the Lok Sabha, saying that his comments insulted Ambedkar and hurt the sentiments of the Dalit community.
Congress Whip Manickam Tagore moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, urging Parliament to discuss what he called the “insult and disrespect” to Ambedkar during Shah’s Constitution Day speech on December 17.
Tagore stated, “Shah’s continued stay in office after such an incident is untenable. His remarks tarnish the dignity of his position and undermine public trust.” He added that Shah must issue an apology to “heal the wounds caused to the Dalit community and citizens of India who hold Ambedkar in the highest regard.”
Tagore further wrote, “This matter is of grave concern. It not only undermines Ambedkar’s legacy but also damages the ideals of justice, equality, and social harmony that our Constitution upholds. Such derogatory comments from a senior minister are highly inappropriate and have caused deep hurt to millions of Indians who see Ambedkar as a beacon of social justice and empowerment.”
In the Rajya Sabha, Congress President and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge submitted a privilege notice under Rule 188 of the Council of States’ Procedure and Conduct of Business. The notice alleged that Shah’s remarks constituted a breach of privilege and contempt of the House.
Kharge stated in the notice, “Misconduct in the House, casting aspersions, or making defamatory statements breaches parliamentary privilege and shows contempt for the institution. The tone and tenor of the Home Minister’s remarks, which sarcastically invoked Ambedkar’s name, are derogatory and deeply disrespectful.”
Background of the Controversy
The controversy stems from Shah’s Constitution Day address in which he criticised the Congress for allegedly sidelining Ambedkar during his lifetime. Shah remarked, “There is a fashion now to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar.’ Had you [Congress] taken God’s name as many times, you would have gone to heaven by now.”
The controversial statement has drawn widespread condemnation from political parties, with Congress accusing Shah of trivialising Ambedkar’s contributions. The BJP, however, defended Shah, arguing that his remarks were taken out of context and that his criticism of the Congress was rooted in historical facts.
Congress’ Allegations
The Congress contended that Shah’s comments were a direct affront to the values enshrined in the Constitution and a betrayal of Ambedkar’s legacy. “Such remarks belittle the principles of equality, justice, and social empowerment that Ambedkar championed. They not only demean Ambedkar’s contributions but also harm the sentiments of millions who revere him,” said Tagore.
