NAGPUR: Union home minister Amit Shah’s controversial statement referencing Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar sparked significant backlash during the Winter Session of the state legislature in Nagpur on Wednesday. Opposition leaders sharply criticised the remark, stating, “The BJP’s true intentions have surfaced.”
Speaking in Parliament, Amit Shah remarked, “These days, chanting Ambedkar’s name has become a fashion. If people took God’s name as much, they would get a place in heaven.” This statement drew widespread condemnation across the country. Opposition leaders, who are campaigning in Nagpur, also expressed their disapproval during the Winter Session, targeting both the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Elaborating on this, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, said, “Since the Lok Sabha elections, we’ve been warning that the govt plans to amend the Constitution. Now their true intentions have surfaced. We condemn Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement.”
Congress MLA Bhai Jagtap said, “Making such statements in reference to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar is unfortunate. The govt, which rose to power with the blessings of the ‘EVM goddess,’ is drunk on power. Such statements are a result of this arrogance, which is dangerous for democracy. This is the real face of the BJP and the RSS.” BJP neither likes Sardar Patel too, he said.
Senior Congress leader Nana Patole remarked, “This statement reflects the BJP’s longstanding resentment toward Ambedkar. The BJP made similar statements in the past as well. We strongly condemn this.”
