The Indian National Congress (INC) party has launched a nationwide campaign demanding the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing him of disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during a recent debate in the Rajya Sabha. The campaign, which will be held in 150 cities across India, is set to begin with a series of press conferences on December 22 and 23, 2024. Congress leaders have described Shah’s comments as an affront to Ambedkar’s legacy, sparking political and social tensions across the country.
Background on the Controversy
The controversy erupted during a debate in the Rajya Sabha on the Constitution, which took place in mid-December. Shah, in his remarks, criticized the Congress party for allegedly disrespecting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. His comments came after discussions about the relevance of Ambedkar’s contributions to India’s democracy, with Shah accusing Congress leaders of not properly recognizing Ambedkar’s work.
Shah’s remarks were widely interpreted by the opposition as derogatory, particularly in the context of Ambedkar’s contributions to the Constitution and his championing of social justice. The Home Minister’s statement, which the Congress party believes downplays Ambedkar’s role in shaping India’s political and social fabric, has led to accusations of disrespect. According to Congress leaders, Shah’s statements are an attempt to distort Ambedkar’s legacy and undermine the ideals of equality and justice that he fought for throughout his life.
Congress’s Nationwide Campaign
In response to the remarks made by Amit Shah, the Congress party has initiated a strong political campaign to hold the Union Home Minister accountable. The party’s leadership has called Shah’s actions an insult to Ambedkar’s legacy, and the campaign aims to mobilize public support for his resignation.
The nationwide campaign will begin on December 22, with Congress lawmakers holding press conferences in 150 cities across India. These press conferences are designed to condemn Shah’s comments and call for his resignation. Congress leaders will emphasize that Ambedkar’s contributions are foundational to the democratic framework of India, and any disrespect towards him cannot be tolerated. The press conferences will provide a platform for Congress representatives to explain the party’s position, outline the significance of Ambedkar’s work, and mobilize citizens to join the demand for Shah’s resignation.
The Congress party’s general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and several senior leaders from states across India are expected to lead these press conferences, urging citizens to stand in solidarity with Ambedkar’s ideals of justice, equality, and social reform.
Protest Marches and Memorandum Submission
In addition to the press conferences, the Congress party has planned a series of protest marches in districts across the country. These marches will take place on December 24, 2024, and are intended to demonstrate the party’s commitment to upholding Ambedkar’s vision for India. The protests will be followed by the submission of a memorandum to President Draupadi Murmu through district collectors, demanding the immediate resignation of Amit Shah. The memorandum will outline Congress’s grievances regarding Shah’s remarks and express the party’s firm stance on protecting Ambedkar’s legacy.
These protest marches are expected to be attended by thousands of Congress supporters, especially in states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, where Ambedkar’s legacy has a particularly strong cultural and political significance. The Congress party intends to highlight the importance of Ambedkar’s work in the context of social justice movements, particularly in terms of caste equality, women’s rights, and the protection of marginalized communities.
Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman Yatra
To further honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his contributions to the country, the Congress party has also announced the launch of a special event called the ‘Babasaheb Ambedkar Samman Yatra’. The yatra, or procession, will be conducted across several key locations associated with Ambedkar’s life and legacy. The procession will culminate in important venues where Ambedkar fought for the rights of Dalits, marginalized communities, and other underrepresented groups in India.
The Congress party plans to conduct the yatra through places such as Mumbai, Nagpur, and Delhi, where Ambedkar’s influence was most strongly felt. In each city, Congress leaders will lead prayers, public meetings, and events aimed at educating people about Ambedkar’s constitutional and social reforms. These activities will also include discussions on the ongoing relevance of Ambedkar’s work in contemporary India and the need to protect his legacy from political manipulation.
The yatra will also serve as a platform to demonstrate the Congress party’s commitment to social justice and the upliftment of marginalized communities, including Dalits, tribals, and backward classes. Congress leaders are hoping that the Samman Yatra will reinvigorate support for their demand for Shah’s resignation while reaffirming their dedication to Ambedkar’s principles.
Ambedkar Samman Saptah
To amplify the campaign, the Congress party has declared the upcoming week as ‘Ambedkar Samman Saptah’ (Ambedkar Honor Week). During this week, which will run from December 24 to December 30, various events will be organized to further highlight the party’s demands. These events will include debates, symposiums, film screenings, and public discussions about Ambedkar’s contributions to Indian society and politics.
The week will also serve to emphasize the need to protect Dr. Ambedkar’s vision for an inclusive India, where social, economic, and political equality is guaranteed for all citizens. These events will be designed to garner public attention and generate a broader conversation about the need to honor Ambedkar’s contributions, particularly at a time when his legacy is being questioned by political figures.
Additionally, the Congress leadership will use the Ambedkar Samman Saptah to continue the demand for Amit Shah’s resignation. They will argue that respecting Ambedkar’s vision is a matter of national importance and that any disrespect shown toward him is an attack on the democratic values that India was built upon.
Congress Working Committee Meeting
The Congress party has also scheduled an extended Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting for December 26-27, 2024, in Belagavi, coinciding with the anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s historic session in 1924. The meeting will serve as a critical platform for Congress leaders to discuss the ongoing campaign, strategize next steps, and ensure that their demands continue to resonate with the public.
During the meeting, Congress leaders are expected to assess the progress of the nationwide campaign and determine whether additional actions need to be taken. Given that the meeting will take place during the celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi’s 1924 session, it is likely that Congress will draw on the legacy of both Gandhi and Ambedkar in their discussions, framing their opposition to Shah’s comments within a broader context of fighting for justice, equality, and social reform.
BJP’s Response
In the face of Congress’s growing campaign, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has come out in defense of Amit Shah. BJP spokespersons have dismissed the Congress’s demands for resignation, calling them politically motivated and baseless. The BJP has accused the Congress of attempting to “twist” Shah’s comments for electoral gains, claiming that the Home Minister’s remarks were intended to point out the Congress’s historical shortcomings when it comes to honoring Ambedkar.
The BJP has also pointed out that Amit Shah has always shown respect for Ambedkar’s contributions to the nation and has been a vocal advocate for the implementation of Ambedkar’s principles. In contrast, the BJP has highlighted Congress’s alleged failure to adequately celebrate Ambedkar’s legacy during its years in power.
Looking Ahead
As the Congress party’s nationwide campaign unfolds, the political tension between the Congress and the BJP is expected to intensify. The future of this campaign will largely depend on the party’s ability to maintain momentum and build a coalition of supporters around the issue of Ambedkar’s legacy. Whether or not the campaign will succeed in securing Amit Shah’s resignation remains to be seen, but it is clear that this controversy will have significant political ramifications in the lead-up to upcoming elections.
With protest marches, press conferences, and public events taking place across the country, the Congress party is set to keep the issue at the forefront of national discourse. As December 2024 draws to a close, all eyes will be on the success or failure of the Congress’s demand for accountability, and the larger conversation about Ambedkar’s legacy in India’s political landscape.
