Congress slams Amit Shah for remarks on Ambedkar in Parliament, demands apology

The Congress party has strongly criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks about Bhim Rao Ambedkar during a speech in the Rajya Sabha on Dec 17, accusing him of insulting the Dalit icon and demanding an immediate apology.

The political controversy deepened further after Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Shah, accusing Congress of spreading "malicious lies."

While addressing a special session on the 75-year journey of the Constitution, Shah accused Congress of misusing Ambedkar’s legacy for political purposes. "It has now become a fashion — Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken God’s name so many times, they would have secured a place in heaven for seven lifetimes," Shah remarked, mocking what he described as Congress's repetitive references to Ambedkar.

He further asserted that while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) welcomes any acknowledgment of Ambedkar's contributions, Congress should introspect on its historical treatment of the Dalit leader. "While taking Ambedkar's name repeatedly, the Congress should also reflect on how they marginalized him politically during his lifetime," Shah added.

Reinforcing Shah's stance, PM Modi intervened using X (formerly Twitter), accusing Congress of distorting facts for political mileage. “The Congress is spreading malicious lies to divert attention from their historical treatment of Dr. Ambedkar. They ignored and insulted him when he was alive, and now they pretend to revere him for votes,” Modi asserted.

Modi further highlighted the BJP's commitment to Ambedkar’s legacy. "It was our government that developed the five pilgrimage sites associated with Dr. Ambedkar as ‘Panch Teerth,’ ensuring future generations remember his contributions," he stated. He criticized Congress for its "selective memory," accusing the party of undermining Ambedkar during his lifetime while using his name for electoral gain.

The home minister’s remarks triggered outrage among senior Congress leaders. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge accused Shah of showing disrespect toward one of India's greatest constitutional architects. “This statement reflects the BJP's consistent disrespect for Ambedkar's values of equality and social justice," Kharge stated.

Rahul Gandhi also took to X to express his disapproval. "Those who believe in Manusmriti will naturally be at odds with Ambedkar," he wrote, suggesting an ideological clash between the BJP and Ambedkar's principles.

Congress spokespersons claimed that Shah's comments exposed the BJP’s "hypocrisy" in claiming to respect Ambedkar while undermining his legacy. "We will not tolerate any insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar, who fought for social equality and justice," said senior Congress leader Randeep Surjewala.

The BJP, however, defended Shah, arguing that his remarks were directed at Congress's "political tokenism" and not against Ambedkar himself. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated, "Congress has a history of sidelining Ambedkar during his lifetime, and now they invoke his name only for votes."

The row over Shah's remarks has intensified political discourse, highlighting the enduring relevance of Ambedkar’s legacy in India’s socio-political landscape. Congress leaders have vowed to raise the issue in Parliament, demanding both a public apology and a retraction of Shah's statement.