Ambedkar Row: FIR Against Rahul Gandhi, BJP MPs Injured
Amit Shah's remarks on BR Ambedkar sparked protests and clashes between BJP and opposition MPs in Parliament, resulting in injuries and escalating tensions.
The Lok Sabha Winter session in Delhi has turned chaotic after a controversial statement by Home Minister Amit Shah during his speech sparked a strong protest from opposition parties. Shah's remark about Dr. BR Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution, has led to heated arguments between BJP and opposition MPs, resulting in injuries to several parliamentarians.
During his speech, Amit Shah said, “It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they (opposition) had taken God's name as many times, they would have got a place in heaven.” This comment was quickly condemned by opposition parties like Congress, who accused Shah of insulting Ambedkar and undermining the Constitution. Protesters inside the Parliament held banners that read, “Insult to Babasaheb Ambedkar ji will not be tolerated,” demanding an apology from the Home Minister.
In response, Amit Shah clarified that his words were taken out of context and misrepresented. He defended himself, stating that his statement was not intended to disrespect Dr. Ambedkar. The BJP also countered the opposition’s claims, protesting with banners that read, “Ambedkar showed us the path, Congress misled.”
Tensions escalated when BJP and opposition MPs clashed near the 'Makar Dwar' gate of the New Parliament, resulting in injuries. BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput were seriously hurt and are currently in the ICU. Sarangi claimed that he was injured when an MP was pushed by Rahul Gandhi, causing him to fall. Congress, on the other hand, stated that Mallikarjun Kharge, the party’s leader, also sustained injuries during the protest.
The situation has spiraled into a war of words, with both Congress and BJP blaming each other for the violence. Congress has filed an FIR against BJP MPs, while the BJP has accused Rahul Gandhi of provoking the clash. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju demanded an apology from Gandhi for the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in on the issue, expressing his support for the BJP MPs and criticizing Congress. In a series of tweets, PM Modi highlighted Congress’s alleged disrespect towards Ambedkar, mentioning past incidents where the party had opposed Ambedkar, including his electoral defeats and refusal to award him the Bharat Ratna. Modi also pointed out his government’s efforts to honor Ambedkar, including the establishment of Panchteerth, five significant places associated with him.
As the protest continues to unfold, both sides have filed complaints with Delhi Police, and the matter remains unresolved. The situation has led to a tense atmosphere in the Parliament, with no signs of a quick resolution.
