GUWAHATI/NAGAON: The Congress party in Assam on Monday urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to step down, accusing him of making inappropriate statements about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a recent parliamentary session on December 17.
Shah’s remarks, made during discussions in the Rajya Sabha, have drawn sharp criticism from Congress leaders across the country.
Referring to the frequent mention of Ambedkar’s name, Shah remarked, “Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai – Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. Itna naam agar bhagwan ka lete to saat janmon tak swarg mil jata”
(It has become a trend to repeatedly say Ambedkar’s name. If God’s name was taken this often, one would secure a place in heaven for seven lifetimes).
ALSO READ: Prohibitory order enforced near Guwahati Raj Bhawan
Jorhat MP Gaurav Gogoi, addressing the media in Guwahati, criticised Shah’s comments, labelling them arrogant and disrespectful.
“We pointed out his mistake, but Shah refused to acknowledge it. The next day, we condemned his statement and demanded a public apology, but he remains unapologetic. His remarks expose the BJP’s disdain for Dr. Ambedkar and the principles of the Constitution,” Gogoi stated.
He accused the BJP of sidestepping vital issues such as the Adani controversy, unrest in Manipur, flood management, land erosion, and tensions with China.
“Shah’s language during a parliamentary session was inappropriate for a Union Minister. It felt as though he was speaking casually with friends rather than addressing the nation. His words, now part of the parliamentary record, have gone viral,” Gogoi said.
The Congress party has escalated its criticism of Shah’s remarks, organising more than 120 press briefings across the country.
ALSO READ: Good Governance Week 2024: Assam’s Barpeta hosts district-level dissemination workshop
Upcoming activities include Ambedkar Samman Yatras on Tuesday and a Jai Bhim Jai Sambidhan rally in Karnataka on Wednesday, Gogoi announced.
In Nagaon, MP Pradyut Bordoloi condemned Shah’s comments, alleging that they reflect RSS ideology.
“The RSS initially rejected the Constitution, which serves as a unifying force for India. This BJP government functions under the guidance of the RSS,” Bordoloi claimed, renewing the demand for an apology or Shah’s resignation.
Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain echoed these concerns during a press meeting in Goalpara.
“The Congress initiated the discussion on the Constitution in Parliament, during which Shah demeaned Ambedkar. We insist that he either apologises or resigns as home minister,” Hussain stated.
The issue continues to fuel political friction, with Congress planning further actions to amplify their demand for accountability.
