Chennai: Tamil Nadu political leaders cutting across party lines, including chief minister M K Stalin, deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, AIADMK spokesman D Jayakumar, TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan and TVK leader and actor Vijay on Wednesday came down hard on Union home minister Amit Shah for his jibe that taking dalit icon B R Ambedkar‘s name had become “fashionable”.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, during the debate to mark 75 years of the Constitution, Shah said it has become fashionable to mention Ambedkar’s name.
“If they say the name of God, they will at least be shown the path to heaven,” Shah added. His remark came in for strong criticism.
“Only those who commit sins should worry about virtue (punniya). Those who care about the country, the people, and the Constitution will only mention the name of revolutionary Ambedkar; it must be mentioned,” Stalin said on X.
For his part, Udhayanidhi said on X, “We strongly condemn the slanderous statement made by Union home minister Amit Shah, where he said: ‘No matter where you go, they say Ambedkar … Ambedkar. …’ Instead of trying to be a tourist guide on how to go where, Amit Shah should first properly take care of his responsibilities as home minister.”
AIADMK spokesman D Jayakumar told reporters Ambedkar was a leader who should be hailed throughout the country, and any move to degrade him will be rejected by people. “Amit Shah’s speech against Ambedkar will have serious repercussions against BJP,” he said.
VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said, “How can the descendants of Savarkar bear the fact that the entire country is hailing Ambedkar?”
TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai too joined in the condemnation. TVK president Vijay said some people may be allergic to the name ‘Ambedkar’. “He was an incomparable political and intellectual figure,” said Vijay.
Union minister of state for parliamentary affairs L Murugan said, “I strongly condemn the Congress for deliberately distorting Amit Shah’s speech.Amit Shah has given a clear explanation about his speech.”
Meanwhile BJP state president K Annamalai said deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has failed to act in a manner befitting his stature, for his remarks against home minister.
