The political storm over Union Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar during the Rajya Sabha Constitution debate continues to escalate, drawing sharp reactions from both the Opposition and the ruling BJP. Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien took the issue a step further by filing a notice of question of privilege against Shah, alleging that his remarks were disrespectful to Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy and violated parliamentary decorum. O’Brien emphasized that such comments undermine the dignity of the House and demanded strict action against Shah.
The controversy originated when Shah criticized the Opposition’s frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name, stating, “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata (It has become a fashion to repeatedly invoke Ambedkar’s name. If they had taken God’s name this many times, they would have earned a place in heaven).”
The statement was immediately condemned by Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, which accused Shah of insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution. Congress MPs, along with other Opposition leaders, staged protests in Parliament, raising slogans like “Jai Bhim” and “Amit Shah maafi maango” (Amit Shah, apologize). They held up portraits of Ambedkar as a symbolic protest, while outside the Parliament complex, Congress leaders led demonstrations in various states, including protests outside Raj Bhavans. Placards denouncing Shah’s remarks were widely displayed.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to condemn the Home Minister’s remarks, tweeting, “Those who believe in Manusmriti will definitely have problems with Ambedkar ji.” Rahul Gandhi’s tweet was a pointed reference to the ideological divide between the Congress and the BJP/RSS, with the former accusing the latter of harboring deep-seated resentment towards Ambedkar’s progressive ideas.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also launched a scathing attack on Shah and the BJP, accusing them of attempting to rewrite India’s history by undermining Ambedkar’s contributions. Kharge stated, “The insult that Amit Shah has done to Baba Saheb in the House today proves once again that BJP/RSS have always been against the Constitution. They were against the Tricolour, opposed the Ashoka Chakra, and wanted Manusmriti instead of the Constitution. Babasaheb fought to ensure that would never happen, which is why they hate him so much.”
The Congress has demanded an unconditional apology from Shah and called for his resignation. “If Prime Minister Narendra Modi truly respects Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he should sack Amit Shah by midnight. The Home Minister has no moral right to remain in the cabinet after such remarks. People will not stay silent; they are ready to fight to protect the dignity of Baba Saheb,” Kharge declared.
The BJP, however, has dismissed the Congress’s demands, accusing the Opposition of manufacturing a controversy for political mileage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Amit Shah’s remarks and turned the tables on the Congress, accusing it of a long history of disrespecting Ambedkar. “Amit Shah exposed the Congress’s dark history of insulting Dr. Ambedkar. The Congress is stung and stunned by the facts he presented, and now they are indulging in theatrics,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister further highlighted the BJP’s efforts to honor Ambedkar’s legacy, citing initiatives like the development of memorials associated with Ambedkar, the establishment of Constitution Day to commemorate his contributions, and the Modi government’s active promotion of Ambedkar’s ideals. Modi contrasted this with what he described as the Congress’s consistent sidelining of Ambedkar during his lifetime and after his death.
“Amit Shah presented facts in Parliament showing how the Congress neglected Ambedkar’s contributions and failed to build a single memorial in his honor. It was the BJP government that corrected this historical wrong. The Congress is now doing theatrics because it cannot digest the truth,” Modi remarked.
The political fallout has further polarized the discourse surrounding Ambedkar’s legacy, with both the BJP and the Opposition seeking to claim moral and ideological alignment with the revered leader. While the Congress accuses the BJP and RSS of being fundamentally opposed to Ambedkar’s vision of an inclusive India, the BJP points to the Congress’s past actions, such as sidelining Ambedkar politically and failing to recognize his contributions adequately.
Analysts view the controversy as emblematic of a larger struggle between India’s political parties to appropriate the legacy of key historical figures. Dr. Ambedkar, as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a champion of social justice, has emerged as a pivotal figure in contemporary political narratives. His name is often invoked by parties seeking to connect with marginalized communities and reaffirm their commitment to constitutional values.
The debate has now spilled beyond Parliament, sparking widespread public discourse. Both sides are organizing protests and counter-protests, with Ambedkar’s image and ideals at the center of the debate. Political commentators suggest that this issue may influence upcoming elections, as parties attempt to position themselves as the true inheritors of Ambedkar’s legacy.
As the controversy unfolds, the episode underscores the enduring relevance of Ambedkar’s vision in modern Indian politics and the contentious battle among political parties to lay claim to his legacy. The deepening divide between the ruling BJP and the Opposition also highlights the broader ideological conflicts shaping India’s political landscape today.
