New Delhi: The Congress and other opposition parties under INDIA bloc have launched widespread protests against Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his alleged disrespectful remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, architect of the Indian Constitution. Across the nation, protests are intensifying, with demands for Shah’s resignation and a public apology.
In New Delhi, members of INDIA bloc, including MPs and senior leaders, held a march from Vijay Chowk to Parliament to protest against Amit Shah’s remarks and what they described as BJP’s anti-Constitution and anti-Dalit mindset. Speaking during the protest, leaders declared:
“Home Minister Amit Shah has insulted Baba Saheb in Parliament. Baba Saheb is revered across the nation, and any insult to him is unacceptable to India. Amit Shah must apologise to the country and resign from his position.”
Uttarakhand: Under the leadership of State Congress President Karan Mahara, workers protested against Shah’s remarks, condemning the BJP’s alleged anti-Dalit ideology.
Tripura: State Congress President Ashish Kumar Saha led a vociferous protest, accusing the Home Minister of trying to intimidate the Opposition instead of addressing the issue responsibly.
Odisha: Congress workers, led by Jayadev Jena, staged protests, calling Shah’s remarks an affront to Dr. Ambedkar and the values he represents.- Himachal Pradesh: Congress President Pratibha Singh criticised Shah’s remarks and demanded action from Prime Minister Modi, alongside Shah’s resignation.
- Uttar Pradesh: Congress leaders Aradhana Mishra and Tauquir Alam, under the leadership of Avinash Pandey and Kashi Ram Rai, led protests demanding accountability for the remarks.
- Bihar: The INC held demonstrations, asserting that the country would not tolerate any disrespect toward Dr. Ambedkar.
- Telangana: The Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) demanded a public apology, emphasising that insulting Babasaheb Ambedkar is equivalent to insulting the entire nation.
- Chhattisgarh: Congress leaders accused the BJP of harbouring an anti-Dalit mindset and failing to uphold constitutional values.
J&K: Protests led by local Congress units strongly condemned the remarks and demanded a public apology.
West Bengal: WBPCC President Subhankar Sarkar led demonstrations in Kolkata, demanding Shah’s resignation and reaffirming Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions.
Kerala: Protests were held by INC leaders, asserting that Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy is untouchable.
Nagaland: The state Congress unit strongly condemned Shah’s remarks, calling them unacceptable and anti-Constitution.
INC President Mallikarjun Kharge, alongside senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, raised the issue in Parliament.
Kharge stated: “Dr. Ambedkar’s vision gave every Indian the right to live with dignity and equality. The Home Minister’s words betray a disregard for that vision.”
In Mumbai, protests turned violent as Congress offices were allegedly vandalised. Mumbai Congress President Varsha Gaikwad accused the BJP of suppressing dissent through intimidation, asserting, “We are followers of Babasaheb Ambedkar and will fight for justice.”
Amit Shah responded by claiming his remarks were misinterpreted, but Congress leaders rejected his clarification, stating that his comments had caused irreparable damage to public sentiments.
The INC and the INDIA bloc have vowed to continue protests until Amit Shah issues a public apology and resigns. The Opposition considers this issue vital for defending the ideals of equality and justice enshrined in the Constitution by Dr. Ambedkar.
