New Delhi: The Indian National Congress (Congress) has launched a nationwide campaign demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of a deliberate attack on the legacy of BR Ambedkar during a parliamentary debate. The campaign follows Shah’s remarks during a Rajya Sabha discussion on the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution.
During the debate, Shah criticised the Congress party, alleging that the opposition had repeatedly disrespected Ambedkar. His statement, which drew sharp criticism from the opposition, included a controversial comparison of invocations of Ambedkar’s name to mentions of God, drawing parallels to achieving heavenly reward. “It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar…If they had taken God’s name so many times, they would have secured a place in heaven for seven lifetimes…” he said.
Shah also referenced Ambedkar’s resignation from Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet, further fueling the controversy.
Following the uproar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also criticised the Congress, accusing the party of attempts to undermine Ambedkar’s legacy and disrespect the SC/ST communities. Shah later claimed his remarks were misinterpreted and that he never intended to insult Ambedkar.
Congress, however, remains unconvinced. Party spokesperson Pawan Khera announced a multi-pronged campaign to pressure Shah to resign. The campaign will involve multiple events across 150 cities. “On December 22 and 23, all Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha lawmakers, along with members of the Congress working committee (CWC), will hold 150 press conferences nationwide, highlighting the deliberate attack on Ambedkar and the Constitution. On December 24, a ‘Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman Yatra’ will be conducted by party leaders and workers at every district headquarters. We will reiterate our demand for Shah’s resignation, submit a memorandum to President Draupadi Murmu through district collectors, and garland the statues of Ambedkar,” Khera said.
Khera further stated that both Shah and Modi remain unrepentant, alleging that the BJP has never truly embraced the Constitution. He criticised their practice of taking oaths on the Constitution and raised concerns about past statements suggesting a willingness to change the Constitution if they were to obtain a significant parliamentary majority.
Khera also criticised the government, urging the Prime Minister and Home Minister to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers.
In addition to the campaign for Shah’s resignation, Khera also announced plans to commemorate the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi’s 1924 Belagavi session, with a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting on December 26th and a rally on December 27th. The party will use this occasion to further discuss its short-term and medium-term political strategies.
