Union Home Minister Amit Shah escalated the ongoing political face-off with Congress during a press conference in Delhi, vehemently rejecting allegations of insulting Dr. BR Ambedkar. Shah accused Congress of distorting his remarks made in Parliament during the Constitution Day debate and using them as a tool for political propaganda. The BJP leader asserted his unwavering respect for Dr. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, and criticized the opposition party for spreading "fake news" and misrepresenting his words.
“My statements were deliberately twisted. Congress is indulging in spreading falsehoods to create unnecessary controversies. I would never, even in my dreams, speak against Ambedkar ji. I urge everyone to listen to my complete statement instead of falling prey to selective misrepresentation,” Shah stated. He further reiterated the BJP’s commitment to Ambedkar’s vision and legacy, saying, “The BJP and our ideological framework have always upheld the values of equality and justice championed by Ambedkar ji.”
Opposition MPs immediately reacted with outrage, staging protests within Parliament premises and accusing Shah of disrespecting Ambedkar. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge led the charge, demanding Shah’s resignation. “Our demand is clear. Amit Shah must apologize, and Prime Minister Modi should remove him from the Cabinet by midnight if he truly respects Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. His remarks are an insult not just to Ambedkar but to the entire nation,” Kharge said at a press briefing. He further warned of widespread protests if Shah remained in office, emphasizing that “people are ready to sacrifice their lives for Ambedkar ji.”
In a pointed response, Shah accused Congress of hypocrisy and a history of undermining Ambedkar’s legacy. He highlighted the BJP’s contributions to preserving Ambedkar’s memory, including the establishment of memorials and the declaration of Constitution Day by the Modi government. “BJP governments developed key sites associated with Ambedkar ji’s life, while Congress ignored them for decades. Congress’s anti-Ambedkar stance is evident in its policies and actions,” Shah asserted.
Shah also revisited Congress’s record, alleging that the party has repeatedly betrayed constitutional values. “Congress imposed the Emergency, attacked the judiciary, and violated the spirit of democracy. Their actions have always been anti-Constitution and anti-reservation. This is the same party that insulted Veer Savarkar and other freedom fighters,” he said.
The BJP leader also emphasized the party’s commitment to social justice, stating that Ambedkar’s ideals remain central to their policies. “We have consistently supported the empowerment of marginalized communities through reservations and constitutional safeguards. The Congress, on the other hand, has a history of exploiting these communities for votes without delivering real change,” Shah added.
As the political rhetoric heats up, both BJP and Congress have intensified their campaigns to sway public opinion. BJP leaders and workers have been mobilized to counter Congress’s narrative, while the opposition is planning nationwide protests. This controversy, centered around Ambedkar’s legacy, has become a focal point in the broader ideological battle between the two parties, with significant implications for upcoming elections.
Political analysts believe the issue could resonate strongly among voters, particularly in states where Ambedkar holds an iconic status. Both parties are expected to use this debate as an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to Ambedkar’s ideals, further deepening the divide in the country’s political landscape.
