The Congress party has accused Home Minister Amit Shah of disrespecting Dr. BR Ambedkar, claiming his remarks during a Rajya Sabha debate reflect deep-seated "hatred" harbored by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) toward the architect of the Indian Constitution. Demanding an apology, Congress leaders launched a scathing attack on Shah for his controversial statements.

Leading the charge, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi asserted that those who subscribe to the ideology of the Manusmriti will inevitably clash with Ambedkar's progressive ideals. Gandhi’s remarks came in the wake of Shah's comments during the debate on the Constitution in the Upper House.

In a video widely circulated on social media, Shah was seen mocking the opposition’s frequent invocation of Ambedkar's name, saying, “Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar… It has become a fashion to say Ambedkar repeatedly. If they had taken God’s name this many times, they would have secured a place in heaven for seven lifetimes.”

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized Shah’s statement, calling it an "insult" to Ambedkar and evidence of the BJP-RSS’s historical opposition to Ambedkar’s ideals. Kharge also accused the Sangh Parivar of having been against the national symbols of independent India, such as the tricolor and the Ashok Chakra, and of wanting to implement Manusmriti instead of the Constitution from the very beginning.

Joining the criticism, Congress general secretary KC Venugopal issued a stern rebuke, declaring that for millions, Dr. Ambedkar is equivalent to God and the Constitution he authored is their Holy Book. “How dare you speak about Dr. Ambedkar with such disdain?” Venugopal questioned.

The remarks also drew ire from several other Congress leaders, who alleged that Shah’s comments were not only disrespectful to Ambedkar but also to the principles enshrined in the Constitution. They accused the BJP of engaging in appeasement politics while undermining the legacy of India's most revered constitutional architect.

In his concluding remarks on the debate marking the "Glorious Journey of 75 Years of the Constitution of India," Shah defended his position and counterattacked the Congress. He accused the opposition party of indulging in divisive politics, alleging it wanted to breach the 50% reservation cap to appease Muslim communities.

The exchange has deepened the political divide over the legacy of Ambedkar, with Congress asserting its role as the protector of constitutional values while accusing the BJP-RSS of undermining the same. The debate has also reignited discussions about India’s constitutional ethos and its evolving political narratives.

Disclaimer:This image is taken from ANI.