Andhra Congress Condemns Amit Shah’s Comments on Dr. Ambedkar
The Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) has passed a resolution demanding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s resignation following his controversial remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The resolution was sent to President Droupadi Murmu and urges the BJP to apologize for Shah’s comments.
Resolution and Public Campaign
In a roundtable meeting held by the APCC, Congress leaders, alongside left parties, student unions, and people’s organizations, discussed Shah’s statement. The APCC launched the ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’ campaign to challenge the remarks made by Amit Shah and address BJP’s divisive politics.
YS Sharmila Reddy Criticizes Amit Shah’s Remarks
During the meeting, YS Sharmila Reddy, Chief of Andhra Pradesh Congress, strongly condemned Shah’s comments, calling them an insult to Ambedkar’s legacy. Reddy said, “Amit Shah mocked Dr. Ambedkar, calling him a ‘fashion.’ Such disrespect towards a national icon and ideologist is unacceptable. The BJP must apologize for this insult.” Reddy also criticized the BJP’s exploitation of caste and religion for political gain.
CPI Leader Ramakrishna Criticizes BJP’s Ideology
Ramakrishna, a senior leader of the CPI, accused the BJP of disrespecting the Indian Constitution and trying to implement Manusmriti as the country’s law. He stated, “The BJP’s actions in insulting Ambedkar and undermining the contributions of freedom fighters are grave offenses. Amit Shah’s remarks were an insult to the Indian Constitution and Ambedkar’s legacy.”
Amit Shah’s Controversial Remarks
The controversy began on December 17, 2024, when Amit Shah invoked Dr. Ambedkar during a debate on the 75th anniversary of the Constitution. Shah commented, “It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken God’s name that many times, they would have reached heaven.” This statement drew widespread condemnation, particularly from Congress and its allies in the INDIA bloc.
Congress Moves Privilege Notice Against Shah
Following these remarks, Congress moved a privilege notice in the Rajya Sabha on December 19, 2024, protesting Shah’s comments. The protest escalated into a scuffle between ruling and opposition MPs, resulting in injuries to two BJP members.
Key Points:
- Andhra Congress calls for Amit Shah’s resignation over his remarks on Ambedkar.
- YS Sharmila Reddy criticizes Shah for insulting Dr. Ambedkar.
- CPI’s Ramakrishna accuses BJP of undermining the Indian Constitution.
- Ambedkar’s legacy and the BJP’s divisive politics come under scrutiny.
- Congress protests in Rajya Sabha, leading to scuffles between MPs.
Summary:
The Andhra Pradesh Congress has taken a firm stand against Amit Shah‘s derogatory comments on Dr. Ambedkar, launching a national campaign and calling for his resignation. This controversy highlights the growing tensions between the Congress and the BJP over issues of caste, religion, and constitutional respect.
