Amit Shah Remarks On Ambedkar – The recent remarks by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a Rajya Sabha session have ignited a political firestorm. The opposition, led by the Congress, has accused Shah of insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution, leading to widespread protests and demands for his resignation. This article delves into the details of Shah’s comments, the opposition’s response, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s defense of his colleague.
Amit Shah's Controversial Remarks
During a speech in the Rajya Sabha on December 17, 2024, Amit Shah made comments that the opposition claims were disrespectful to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Shah accused the Congress of being anti-Constitution, anti-reservation, and anti-poor, stating that the party had historically opposed Ambedkar’s vision. He also criticized the Congress for allegedly distorting facts about his speech.
The following are teh exact statements from his address in Rajya Sabha on 18th Dec 2024.
“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 say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar’. If they took God’s name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven),” Shah said.
“If people took God’s name as much, they would get a place in heaven,” he added.
“Take his name 100 times more, but I want to say what are your sentiments about him.” asking Congress in Rajya Sabha.
Opposition's Protests
The opposition, particularly the Congress, reacted strongly to Shah’s remarks. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Shah’s resignation by midnight on December 18, accusing him of humiliating Ambedkar. Protests erupted in Parliament, with opposition MPs staging demonstrations and disrupting proceedings. The Congress also shared a video clip of Shah’s speech on social media, which they claimed showed his disrespect towards Ambedkar.
Press Meet by Amit Shah
In response to the uproar, Amit Shah held a press conference where he accused the Congress of twisting his remarks and spreading lies. Shah emphasized that his speech was clear and on record, and that the BJP would explore all legal options against the Congress for their alleged misrepresentation. He reiterated that the BJP and its ideology could never insult Ambedkar or his ideas.
The summary of his Press Meet is as below:
- Accusation of Misrepresentation: Amit Shah accused the Congress of twisting his remarks and spreading lies about his speech in the Rajya Sabha.
- Clarification of Remarks: He emphasized that his speech was clear and on record, and that he never disrespected Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- Legal Action: Shah mentioned that the BJP would explore all legal options against the Congress for their alleged misrepresentation.
- Reaffirmation of Respect: He reiterated that the BJP and its ideology could never insult Ambedkar or his ideas.
PM Modi's Defense on X
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to defend Amit Shah and criticize the Congress. Modi listed the “sins” of the Congress against Ambedkar, accusing the party of indulging in every dirty trick to obliterate Ambedkar’s legacy and humiliate SC/ST communities. He highlighted the BJP’s efforts to fulfill Ambedkar’s vision and accused the Congress of being stung by the facts presented by Shah.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a series of attacks on the Congress party in response to their criticism of Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Here are the key points from his defense and critique:
Historical Insults by Congress: Modi accused the Congress of repeatedly insulting Dr. Ambedkar, citing instances such as:
- Defeating Ambedkar in elections twice.
- Pandit Nehru campaigning against Ambedkar and making his loss a prestige issue.
- Denying Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna.
- Refusing to place Ambedkar’s portrait in Parliament’s Central Hall.
Congress’s Tactics: Modi claimed that the Congress has indulged in every possible dirty trick to obliterate Ambedkar’s legacy and humiliate SC/ST communities.
BJP’s Commitment to Ambedkar’s Vision: Modi highlighted his government’s efforts to honor Ambedkar’s legacy through various initiatives, including:
- Developing Panchteerth (five memorials dedicated to Ambedkar).
- Uplifting marginalized communities through programs like Swachh Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, and Ujjwala Yojana.
Defense of Amit Shah: Modi defended Amit Shah, stating that the Congress was “stung and stunned” by the facts Shah presented in the Rajya Sabha. He emphasized that Shah’s remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented by the opposition.
Accusation of Malicious Lies: Modi accused the Congress of spreading malicious lies to hide their historical misdeeds and insult towards Ambedkar.
If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think their malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr. Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2024
The people of India have seen time and again how one Party, led by one dynasty, has indulged in…
The list of the Congress' sins towards Dr. Ambedkar includes:
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2024
Getting him defeated in elections not once but twice.
Pandit Nehru campaigning against him and making his loss a prestige issue.
Denying him a Bharat Ratna.
Denying his portrait a place of pride in Parliament’s…
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Amit Shah’s remarks on Ambedkar has highlighted the deep political divisions in India. While the BJP defends Shah and accuses the Congress of political theatrics, the opposition continues to demand accountability. This incident underscores the ongoing struggle over Ambedkar’s legacy and its significance in Indian politics.
