On December 17, 2024, the Congress party accused Home Minister Amit Shah of displaying a “great deal of animosity” towards B.R. Ambedkar made significant remarks during a debate in the Rajya Sabha concerning the Constitution. They have called for an apology from him in light of these remarks.
Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi stated that individuals who adhere to the Manusmriti will inevitably conflict with B.R. Ambedkar’s principles. Meanwhile, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a video clip on X featuring Amit Shah’s speech in the Rajya Sabha.
“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 had taken God’s name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven),” Mr. Shah criticized the opposition. Shah highlighted that Ambedkar had resigned from the first Cabinet due to disagreements with the policies of the Congress-led government, including issues related to Article 370.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge responded sharply, asserting that Shah’s comments were an insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar. He claimed this incident demonstrates the BJP and RSS’s longstanding opposition to the tricolor and their ancestors’ resistance to the Ashok Chakra. Kharge emphasized that members of the Sangh Parivar have sought to impose Manusmriti instead of adhering to the Indian Constitution from the very beginning.
In addition, Rahul Gandhi pointed out that those who support Manusmriti are inherently at odds with Ambedkar’s ideals. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh condemned Shah’s remarks as “disgusting,” arguing that they reflect a deep-seated animosity towards Ambedkar. He noted that this hostility is so pronounced that even the mention of Ambedkar’s name seems to irritate them. Ramesh insisted that Amit Shah should apologize to the nation for his statements.
K.C. Venugopal, another Congress leader, also criticized Shah, stating that for millions, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is revered as a divine figure and that his contributions to the Constitution should be respected rather than belittled.
“Babasaheb Dr. Ambedkar Ji’s legacy is not something that can be dismissed, which is why there is so much animosity directed towards him,” Mr. Kharge stated.
He emphasized that for millions like him, Babasaheb Ambedkar holds a divine status. “He is, and will always be, the champion for Dalits, tribal communities, backward classes, minorities, and the impoverished,” Mr. Kharge expressed in a post on X, written in Hindi.
In a post on X, Mr. Ramesh criticized Amit Shah, stating, “What he said is truly appalling. This reveals the deep-seated animosity that BJP and RSS leaders have towards Baba Saheb Ambedkar.
“He continued, “Their hatred is so intense that they are even irritated by his name. These are the same individuals whose ancestors used to burn effigies of Baba Saheb and who once advocated for changing the Constitution that he created.”
Mr. Ramesh added that as the public has held them accountable, they are now frustrated with those who honor Baba Saheb’s legacy. “This is disgraceful! Amit Shah owes the nation an apology for his remarks,” he asserted.
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal also criticized Mr. Shah for his comments.
“Home Minister Amit Shah realizes that Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar is regarded as a deity, and the Constitution he created is a sacred text for millions around the globe. How can you speak about Dr. Ambedkar with such disrespect?” he stated.
Venugopal further emphasized that the BJP’s disdain for Dr. Ambedkar has always been evident, and Shah’s recent remarks in the Rajya Sabha only serve to highlight their deep-seated hatred for him.
During a recent discussion in the Rajya Sabha, Home Minister Amit Shah launched a strong critique of the Congress party, accusing it of treating the Constitution as the “private property” of a single-family and of misleading Parliament. Concluding a two-day debate titled “Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India,” Shah condemned the Congress for its so-called appeasement politics. He claimed that the party aimed to exceed the 50% reservation limit to benefit Muslims.
Shah questioned whether the Congress party endorses Muslim personal law and claimed that it has not effectively supported the welfare of backward classes. He highlighted that the BJP had already implemented a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand and plans to extend it to all states.
In his address, Shah criticized the Congress for its historical actions, alleging that they had consistently undermined constitutional principles for their own gain. He emphasized that the BJP would not allow any religious-based reservations, contrasting their approach with what he described as the Congress’s divisive tactics.
