Congress Demands Apology from Amit Shah Over Remarks on BR Ambedkar in Parliament
The Congress on Tuesday demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah following his comments about BR Ambedkar during a parliamentary session.
Shah’s remarks were made during a two-day discussion in the Rajya Sabha commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution.
Shah had stated that the Congress’s frequent references to Ambedkar had become a “fashion,” adding, “If they had taken God’s name as many times as Ambedkar’s, they would have attained heaven in seven births.”
The BJP leader emphasized that while his party welcomed the Congress’s references to Ambedkar, they should also reflect on their historical stance towards him.
Opposition Leaders Lash Out
Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, condemned Shah’s comments.
Gandhi tweeted that those who believe in Manusmriti are naturally opposed to Ambedkar, while Kharge accused the BJP and RSS of wanting to implement Manusmriti over the Indian Constitution.
Kharge’s statement highlighted Ambedkar’s significance to marginalized communities. “For millions of people like me, Babasaheb Ambedkar is no less than God. He remains a messiah for Dalits, tribals, and other disadvantaged groups,” Kharge wrote, demanding Shah’s apology and calling for his dismissal from the Union Cabinet.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh labeled Shah’s remarks as “disgusting,” claiming they reflect BJP’s historical disdain for Ambedkar.
Ramesh added that Shah’s comments reveal the BJP’s annoyance with Ambedkar’s legacy.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal also criticized Shah, stating, “Dr. Ambedkar is equivalent to God for millions. The BJP’s disdain for him is well known, and today’s remarks confirm their mindset.”
The BJP’s Defense and Modi’s Support
Amid growing criticism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Amit Shah and accused the Congress of exploiting Ambedkar’s legacy for political gain.
“The Congress’s malicious lies cannot erase their history of insulting Dr. Ambedkar and ignoring SC/ST communities,” Modi said. He asserted that Shah had merely exposed the Congress’s duplicity.
Shah’s comments were part of a larger 91-minute speech, but opposition parties seized on a 13-second clip to criticize the BJP. The BJP maintains that the opposition is deliberately misinterpreting Shah’s words to create controversy.
Historical Tensions: RSS and Ambedkar
The debate revived historical tensions between Ambedkar’s legacy and the BJP-RSS’s ideological positions.
Congress leaders highlighted instances of RSS opposition to Ambedkar’s reforms, including the burning of his effigy in 1949.
Historian Ramachandra Guha noted that the RSS opposed the Hindu Code Bill, a landmark reform championed by Ambedkar to ensure gender equality.
The Hindu Code Bill, which Ambedkar described as essential to dismantling inequality, faced staunch resistance from right-wing factions, including the RSS.
Guha’s writings reveal that the RSS characterized the bill as an attack on Hindu traditions. An editorial in the RSS’s publication “Organiser” described the bill as “a derogatory measure based on alien and immoral principles.”
Manusmriti vs. the Constitution
Ambedkar’s opposition to Manusmriti, which he deemed oppressive, remains a point of contention with the RSS.
Former RSS leaders like MS Golwalkar criticized the Constitution for lacking Indian ethos, favoring Manusmriti as a cultural guide. VD Savarkar, another key right-wing ideologue, lauded Manusmriti as central to Hindu culture.
Ambedkar’s resignation from Nehru’s cabinet was partly driven by frustrations over delays in passing the Hindu Code Bill. He once stated, “To leave inequality untouched and focus solely on economic legislation makes a farce of our Constitution.”
Opposition’s United Front
Several opposition parties joined Congress in condemning Shah’s remarks. TMC leader Mamata Banerjee called Shah’s comments “derogatory” and accused the BJP of harboring an anti-Dalit mindset.
She asserted, “Dr. Ambedkar symbolizes India’s unity in diversity, and these remarks are an outright attack on his legacy.”
As the controversy continues, the BJP’s historical stance on Ambedkar and the Constitution remains a focal point of criticism.
The Congress and opposition parties are leveraging this issue to question the BJP’s commitment to Ambedkar’s ideals, calling for accountability and a public apology.
