"Deeply disrespectful and hurtful": Congress MP moves adjournment notice over Amit Shah's alleged insult to Ambedkar

New Delhi [India], December 19 : Congress MP Kodikunnil Suresh on Thursday submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, calling for an unconditional apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his comments on former Minister of Law and Justice BR Ambedkar.
He also sought an urgent discussion on Shah's remarks made during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Indian Constitution.
In his notice, Suresh expressed "grave concern" over Shah's comments, which he claimed were "deeply disrespectful and hurtful" to those who hold Ambedkar in high regard.
He said, "I rise to draw the attention of this House to a matter of grave concern involving the remarks made by the Union Home Minister during the recent discussions marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. The statements made about Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of our Constitution, were deeply disrespectful and hurtful to the people who hold him in the highest regard."
"The Home Minister's comments belittled Dr Ambedkar's immense contributions, portraying the frequent mention of his name as mere political symbolism. Such statements undermine the extraordinary role Dr. Ambedkar played in shaping the constitutional values of justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens, especially the marginalized and downtrodden," the Congress MP further added in his notice.
Suresh also underlined that Ambedkar's legacy belongs to the "entire nation," not just any political party, and that such remarks undermine the values of justice, equality, and dignity that Dr. Ambedkar fought for. "Any attempt to diminish his stature or mock his contributions is an insult to our democracy and the ideals on which this country stands," he added.
"It is essential for this House to take a strong stand against such comments, which harm the unity and integrity of our nation. I urge that the Home Minister tender an unconditional apology for his statements and reaffirm this House's commitment to upholding the dignity of our national heroes," Suresh concluded.
Earlier in the day, Congress MP Manickam Tagore also submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, demanding an urgent discussion on the remarks made by Shah during his Constitution Day speech in the Rajya Sabha, and called for both an apology and resignation from the Home Minister. Tagore alleged that Shah's remarks insulted Dr. Ambedkar.
In his letter to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, Tagore described the matter as one of "urgent public importance." According to the Congress leader, Shah's remarks were "disrespectful" to Ambedkar and "deeply offensive" to millions of Indians, particularly the Dalit community.
Tagore explained in the notice, "The Home Minister, while delivering his address, made remarks that insulted and disrespected Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of our Constitution. This is a matter of grave concern, as it not only undermines Dr Ambedkar's legacy but also tarnishes the ideals of justice, equality, and social harmony that our Constitution upholds."
Tagore further added, "These remarks not only demean Dr Ambedkar's legacy but also cause deep hurt to the Dalit community and millions of Indians who consider Dr. Ambedkar as a guiding light for social justice and empowerment."
In the official notice, Tagore put forward two key demands. First, he urged the Home Minister to issue a public apology in the House, stating, "An apology is necessary to heal the wounds caused to the Dalit community and to the citizens of India who revere Ambedkar." Second, he called for Shah's resignation, saying, "Given the gravity of his remarks, the Home Minister should resign from his position. His continued stay in office after such an incident is untenable, as it tarnishes the dignity of the office and undermines the trust of the people."
"This issue is of great importance as it goes to the heart of our democracy, the respect for our Constitution, and the legacy of Dr Ambedkar," the Congress MP added.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Parliament witnessed disruptions as Congress and opposition members protested against Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks about Dr. Ambedkar during his Constitution Day speech in the Rajya Sabha. Congress demanded Shah's resignation, accusing him of insulting Ambedkar, while BJP leaders defended him, alleging Congress was "anti-Ambedkar and anti-Constitution."
However, Amit Shah, in a press conference, dismissed Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's demand for his resignation, saying, "Kharge ji is asking for my resignation. If it would have made him happy, I would have resigned, but it will not end his problems because he will have to sit in the same place (in opposition) for the next 15 years. My resignation will not change that."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi supported Shah, stating, "In Parliament, Amit Shah Ji exposed the Congress' dark history of insulting Dr Ambedkar and ignoring the SC/ST communities."
Conngress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP of disrespecting the Constitution, saying, "The BJP-RSS and their political ancestors have never respected the Constitution. Their political ancestors never accepted the Constitution, and burnt its copies. These people did not even adopt the tricolour. They said that the Constitution does not have the words of Manusmriti, so they will not accept it. In protest against this, they also burnt the effigies of Nehru and Ambedkar," Kharge said.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned for the day following protests.