Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) organized a significant protest at Vijay Chowk on Friday, demanding that Home Minister Amit Shah apologize and resign for his alleged insulting remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of Indias Constitution. The protest, which included prominent Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saw a large number of opposition MPs marching from Vijay Chowk to the Parliament building while chanting slogans such as Jai Bhim, Amit Shah Maafi Mango (Amit Shah, Apologize), and Istifa Do (Resign). The MPs also carried placards, with Priyanka Gandhi holding one that read Babasaheb ka apman nahi sahega Hindustan (India will not tolerate an insult to Babasaheb). The opposition leaders made it clear that they considered Amit Shah’s comments a direct affront to Ambedkar’s legacy, demanding that the Home Minister take responsibility for his words.

Priyanka Gandhi also took the opportunity to slam the BJP over the recent FIR filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing the ruling party of exhibiting increasing desperation. She alleged that the BJPs actions against Rahul Gandhi, including the multiple FIRs and legal cases, were politically motivated and part of a broader attempt to undermine the opposition. She pointed out that these moves demonstrated the BJPs sense of desperation, as it continued to target Rahul Gandhi with baseless charges.

The protest was a response to remarks made by Amit Shah regarding Ambedkar, which the opposition parties interpreted as insulting to the legacy of the nation’s Constitution maker. The protest also followed a series of clashes and confrontations that took place on Parliament premises earlier, when opposition and ruling party MPs marched separately over the issue. These clashes resulted in injuries to BJP MPs Pratap Chandra Sarangi and Mukesh Rajput, with the BJP accusing Rahul Gandhi of pushing the MPs during the altercation, a claim which he denied.

The opposition seized this moment to intensify their demand for Amit Shah’s resignation, arguing that his comments were part of a pattern of disrespect towards Ambedkar and his contributions to the nation. Opposition leaders have sharply criticized the BJP for what they perceive as a disregard for the principles of the Constitution and the values embodied by Ambedkar. The controversy has sparked significant political tension, with the ruling party and the opposition at loggerheads over the issue, further deepening the divide between the two sides. This ongoing dispute over Shahs remarks on Ambedkar is not just a matter of political disagreement but also a significant flashpoint in the ongoing battle over Indias national identity and the legacy of its founding figures.

Disclaimer: This Image is taken from PTI.