PM Modi defends Amit Shah amid Ambedkar row, accuses Congress of erasing Dalit icon’s legacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has countered Opposition criticism over Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, accusing the Congress of historical neglect of the Dalit icon’s legacy. Shah’s remarks, made during a Rajya Sabha discussion marking 75 years of the Constitution, sparked a political controversy. Shah said, “It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they took God’s name this many times, they would have got a place in heaven,” adding that frequent invocations of Ambedkar’s name lacked genuine sentiment.

The comments led to a backlash from the Opposition, with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and other leaders accusing Shah of insulting Ambedkar. Kharge claimed that Shah’s remarks reflected opposition to the Constitution drafted by Ambedkar. Opposition MPs protested in Parliament holding Ambedkar’s photos, demanding Shah’s resignation. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called Ambedkar a symbol of dignity and self-respect for Dalits and the deprived, while Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP adhered to values rooted in Manusmriti, which Ambedkar opposed.

Responding to the uproar, Modi, in a series of posts on X, accused the Congress of undermining Ambedkar during his lifetime. He alleged that Congress ensured Ambedkar’s defeat in elections twice, with Nehru personally campaigning against him. Modi also noted that Congress delayed awarding Ambedkar the Bharat Ratna and initially excluded his portrait from Parliament’s Central Hall. Modi added that the Congress had overseen significant atrocities against Dalits and tribal communities during its tenure in power.

Home Minister Amit Shah defended his remarks by highlighting Ambedkar’s resignation from Nehru’s Cabinet, citing differences over policy decisions. He accused the Congress of sidelining Ambedkar and manipulating his legacy for political gain. BJP leaders have echoed these claims, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating that the Modi government has honored Ambedkar’s contributions by preserving places associated with him and implementing welfare policies aimed at SC/ST communities.

Modi highlighted several government initiatives aligned with Ambedkar’s vision, including Swachh Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM Awas Yojana, and Ujjwala Yojana. He also pointed to the strengthening of the SC/ST Act under his government and efforts to uplift marginalized communities. Modi stated, “Our government has worked tirelessly to fulfill Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision over the last decade.”

The row has reignited debates on how Ambedkar’s legacy has been treated by various political parties. The BJP has accused the Opposition of misrepresenting Shah’s remarks, while the Congress has maintained its demand for Shah’s apology and resignation. Both sides continue to use Ambedkar’s name to assert their commitment to social justice and marginalized communities.

If the Congress and its rotten ecosystem think their malicious lies can hide their misdeeds of several years, especially their insult towards Dr. Ambedkar, they are gravely mistaken!

The people of India have seen time and again how one Party, led by one dynasty, has indulged in…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2024