Amit Shah’s comments on Ambedkar spark controversy; Congress demands apology
New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament on Tuesday have sparked a political uproar, with the Indian National Congress accusing the BJP of harboring disdain for the architect of the Indian Constitution.
During his address, Shah said, “Now it has become a fashion—Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar… If you take this many names of God, you will get heaven for seven lives.” The Congress criticized these remarks, calling them “disgusting” and demanding a public apology from the Home Minister.
In a scathing post on its social media platforms, the Congress stated, “This shows that the BJP and RSS leaders have a lot of hatred for Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Such hatred that they are annoyed even by his name. These are the same people whose ancestors burned effigies of Baba Saheb and talked about changing the Constitution he gave us. When the public taught them a lesson, now they are annoyed with those who take Baba Saheb’s name. Shameful!”
The opposition party alleged that the remarks reflect the BJP’s and RSS’s historical antipathy toward Ambedkar and his contributions. Congress leaders called for an unconditional apology, arguing that Shah’s comments were disrespectful and hurt the sentiments of millions who revere Ambedkar’s legacy.
The BJP has not yet officially responded to the criticism. However, Shah’s remarks come amid heated parliamentary debates over constitutional rights and social justice issues.
“These days a new fashion is going on..Ambedkar..Ambedkar…Ambedkar,
— Shantanu (@shaandelhite) December 17, 2024
If they had taken God’s name this much, they would have reached heaven for the next 7 births.”
Probably the biggest insult of Ambedkar Ji has been done by Amit Shah. pic.twitter.com/13UYoP9crl
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
