Amit Shah accuses Congress of twisting remarks, reaffirms respect for Ambedkar

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lashed out at the Congress for allegedly distorting his remarks made in Parliament during a debate on the Constitution. 

Amid backlash from the Opposition, Shah reiterated his unwavering respect for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and accused the Congress of spreading "fake news" and adopting an "anti-Ambedkar" stance.

Addressing a press conference, Shah clarified the controversial statement he made in the Rajya Sabha, which had sparked protests from Opposition MPs. "My statements were misrepresented. Congress spreads fake news. I can never speak against Ambedkar ji. The way Congress distorted my comments is extremely condemnable," he said.

The controversy arose after Shah's remarks during the debate, where he said, "Abhi ek fashion ho gaya hai - Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar... If they had taken God's name so many times, they would have got a place in heaven." The statement drew sharp reactions from Opposition MPs, with many alleging it was disrespectful to Ambedkar’s legacy.

Also Read: Congress has no moral right to take the name of BR Ambedkar: Kiren Rijiju

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge demanded Shah’s immediate resignation, stating, “If PM Modi has faith in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Amit Shah should be sacked by midnight. He has no right to remain in the cabinet.” Kharge warned of nationwide protests if action wasn’t taken against Shah.

Shah, however, defended himself and turned the tables on the Congress, accusing the party of undermining Ambedkar’s legacy. He highlighted the BJP’s initiatives to honor Ambedkar, such as developing memorials and announcing Constitution Day. “Congress governments never built an Ambedkar memorial. It was the BJP that honored his legacy. Congress is anti-Ambedkar, anti-reservation, and anti-Constitution,” Shah remarked.

Adding to the controversy, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s grandson, Prakash Ambedkar, criticized Shah, claiming his remarks reflected the BJP's "same old mentality."

Members of the INDIA bloc staged protests in the Parliament premises, demanding Shah’s apology. The Congress and its allies have vowed to intensify protests until Shah issues a public apology in Parliament.

As the row deepens, political tensions have escalated, with both sides accusing each other of misrepresenting Ambedkar's vision and legacy.