Union Home Minister Amit Shah finds himself at the center of a political storm following his controversial “Ambedkar is fashion” remark during the Rajya Sabha debate on the Constitution’s 75th anniversary. The remark has triggered a fierce backlash from opposition parties, led by the Congress, and ignited protests nationwide. While Shah and the BJP have defended the statement, calling it misinterpreted, opposition leaders accuse the ruling party of insulting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
The Controversial Remark
The controversy began when Amit Shah on Ambedkar remark, during his concluding remarks in the Rajya Sabha, sarcastically stated:
“It has become the fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…’ If they (the opposition) took God’s name so many times, they will get a place in heaven.”
The statement, perceived as dismissive and disrespectful towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, provoked immediate protests from the opposition benches. Congress leaders, along with INDIA bloc allies, accused Shah of undermining Ambedkar’s legacy and demanded his apology and resignation.
Congress Leads the Charge
The Congress party has taken the lead in denouncing Shah’s remarks. Senior Congress leader and party president Mallikarjun Kharge was quick to respond, saying:
“If the PM has any respect for Babasaheb Ambedkar, he should drop Amit Shah from the Cabinet.”
Kharge’s comments reflect the deep resentment among opposition leaders, who believe the BJP’s ideological parent, the RSS, has historically undermined Ambedkar’s vision.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi’s Reactions
Both Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra issued strong counterattacks:
- Rahul Gandhi: “The country will not tolerate his insult… the Home Minister should apologise!”
- Priyanka Gandhi: Called the remark a “reflection of BJP’s mindset”, aimed at belittling Ambedkar’s contributions to India.
Rahul Gandhi shared images of protests outside Parliament, showcasing opposition unity, further emphasizing Ambedkar as a symbol of justice, equality, and dignity.
BJP’s Counterattack
In a combative response, Amit Shah and the BJP accused the Congress of “distorting facts” and misrepresenting history. Shah struck back, stating:
“The Congress disrespected Ambedkar when it was in power. They have distorted the comment I made in the Rajya Sabha. I request the media to put my full statement before the people.”
He further accused the Congress of “attacking and wounding the Constitution” during its years of governance, listing instances of Emergency and other alleged violations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Defence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also came to Shah’s defence, stating:
“The Congress and its rotten ecosystem think malicious lies can hide their misdeeds… the people of India have seen how one party, led by one dynasty, has insulted Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy time and again.”
This unusual intervention from the Prime Minister highlights the gravity of the backlash and the BJP’s attempt to regain control of the narrative.
Opposition Unity Strengthened
The controversy has brought the INDIA bloc together, showcasing solidarity against the BJP. Several prominent opposition leaders have joined the chorus against Amit Shah:
Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party)
Yadav stated:
“Babasaheb Ambedkar is God to many deprived sections of society. The BJP is nervous about the PDA’s struggle, and that is why such statements are made.”
Here, Yadav’s reference to PDA (Backward Classes, Dalits, and Minorities) highlights the political significance of Ambedkar’s legacy in uniting marginalized communities.
Mamata Banerjee (Trinamool Congress)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the remark:
“A display of BJP’s casteist and anti-Dalit mindset.”
Her party, through Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, also filed a privilege notice against Amit Shah, accusing him of insulting Ambedkar.
Historical Context: Ambedkar, RSS, and BJP
Opposition parties have reignited historical debates regarding the RSS’s stance on Ambedkar and the Constitution. They cite instances where RSS ideologues, such as Golwalkar and Hedgewar, allegedly criticized Ambedkar’s work.
The Congress and other parties argue that the BJP’s ideological roots are inherently anti-Ambedkar, and Shah’s recent remark is merely a continuation of this narrative.
Protests and Public Sentiment
The issue has sparked nationwide protests led by the Congress and other opposition parties.
- INDIA bloc leaders organized sit-ins outside Parliament.
- Youth and Dalit organizations mobilized protests in multiple states.
- Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), saw trends such as #AmbedkarForever and #ShahMustApologize.
The protests reflect a deep emotional connect that millions of Indians have with Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to equality and justice.
Impact on BJP and Opposition Politics
The controversy has significant political implications:
- BJP’s Dalit Outreach at Risk: The BJP has worked to consolidate Dalit votes over the years. Shah’s remark risks alienating this critical voter base.
- Opposition Unity Strengthened: The INDIA bloc has leveraged this issue to present a united front against the BJP ahead of the 2024 general elections.
- Ambedkar’s Legacy as a Political Symbol: Both the ruling party and the opposition recognize Ambedkar’s legacy as a powerful unifying force for marginalized communities.
The “Ambedkar is fashion” controversy has sparked a political maelstrom, with Amit Shah and the BJP on one side and the Congress-led opposition on the other. While the BJP defends the remark as distorted and taken out of context, the opposition remains resolute in demanding an apology and accountability.
This issue has reignited discussions about Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring legacy, the state of equality in Indian politics, and the ideological battles shaping the future of the country. With the 2024 general elections looming, this controversy could have long-term implications for both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What was Amit Shah on Ambedkar remark?
Amit Shah stated, “It has become the fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…’ If they took God’s name so many times, they will get a place in heaven.” - Why did Amit Shah on Ambedkar remark spark protests?
The opposition perceived the statement as disrespectful towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. - How did the BJP respond to the backlash?
Amit Shah and PM Narendra Modi accused the Congress of distorting facts and disrespecting Ambedkar’s legacy during their years in power. - What is the INDIA bloc’s stance on the issue?
The INDIA bloc leaders have united to demand Amit Shah’s resignation and an apology for insulting Ambedkar. - What are the political implications of this controversy?
The controversy could impact the BJP’s Dalit outreach and strengthen the opposition’s unity ahead of the 2024 general elections.
