Ambedkar row intensifies: AAP writes to BJP allies, Congress holds protests
A political storm has erupted following Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks on Dr BR Ambedkar, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the BJP of disrespecting the Constitution’s architect. AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has written to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, urging them to reflect on the issue and question their alliance with the BJP over the remarks, which he described as a direct insult to Dr Ambedkar.
In strongly worded letters, Kejriwal wrote, “I am writing this letter on a matter of great importance, which concerns not only our Constitution but also the honour and legacy of Babasaheb Ambedkar.” He highlighted Shah’s statement in Parliament, where the Home Minister said that “chanting Ambedkar-Ambedkar has become a fashion these days.” Kejriwal called this remark “disrespectful”.
Speaking after offering prayers at Valmiki Mandir on Thursday, Kejriwal launched a scathing attack on the BJP, declaring, “The time has come to choose. One who loves Babasaheb cannot love the BJP. One cannot say they love Babasaheb and vote for the BJP.” He continued, “The tone with which Shah spoke was full of disdain. It wasn’t just the content, but the contemptuous manner in which it was said.”
In response to the ongoing controversy, AAP used artificial intelligence to create a video featuring Dr Ambedkar’s virtual blessing for Kejriwal. The video, that includes a voiceover of Kejriwal, was released after a scuffle broke out on Parliament premises between BJP and Congress leaders over the remarks, and both parties filed cross-complaints.
Protesters demand Shah’s apology
Both the Delhi BJP and Congress staged separate protests across the capital on Thursday, each focusing on Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, following the ongoing controversies.
The BJP demanded an apology from the Congress for allegedly disrespecting Dr Ambedkar, particularly for failing to award him the Bharat Ratna during its tenure in power. Speaking at a press conference, Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva stated, “The nation demands an apology from Congress for their disrespect towards Dr Ambedkar. They failed to honour him during his life and after his death, including the denial of Bharat Ratna.”
Meanwhile, Congress held a protest outside the BJP headquarters in Rouse Avenue to condemn Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent remarks about Dr Ambedkar. Led by Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee (DPCC) president Devender Yadav, the Congress protestors demanded Shah’s apology and resignation for insulting Ambedkar and undermining the Constitution.
Addressing the crowd, Yadav declared, “Amit Shah’s comments insulted Dr Ambedkar, devalued the Constitution, and disrespected the marginalised sections of society, for whom Ambedkar dedicated his life. Shah must apologise for these disparaging remarks.”
Yadav further criticised Shah’s remarks as part of a broader agenda to promote an alternate ideology, stating, “Amit Shah and his allies want to run the country based on Manusmriti, not the Constitution”.
BJP workers from the Scheduled Caste (SC) and ST Morcha staged protests at various locations across Delhi, including Jantar Mantar, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and Press Club, all demanding accountability from Congress. BJP MP Yogendra Chandolia led the protests in Karol Bagh and Patel Nagar, blocking roads at Parliament Street. Another protest was organised near the Red Fort Chowk, where Delhi BJP vice president Sunita Kangra led the workers.
