Both Houses of Parliament Adjourned Over Home Minister’s Remarks
Opposition MPs brought Parliament to a standstill over remarks made by Shah in the Upper House Tuesday on his rivals using the name of BR Ambedkar. Shah had said that it has become a “fashion” now to take Ambedkar’s name. Opposition MPs carried Ambedkar’s photo and shouted ‘Jai Bhim’ while demanding an apology from the Home Minister.
During his Rajya Sabha address, Shah discussed Ambedkar’s resignation from the first cabinet, citing his dissatisfaction with the treatment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, disagreements on foreign policy, and Article 370. Shah referenced a remark allegedly made by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, suggesting Ambedkar’s exit would not weaken the cabinet. Shah also contrasted this with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s efforts to honour Ambedkar, pointing to memorials built, while accusing the Congress of using Ambedkar’s name for personal gain.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Congress party of attempting to erase Ambedkar’s legacy, claiming it had undermined the leader by preventing his electoral success, denying him a Bharat Ratna (highest civilian award), and ignoring his contributions to the marginalised communities. PM Modi highlighted Congress’ historical failures in empowering Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), citing Shah’s revelations in Parliament. He also defended his government’s initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and Ujjwala Yojana, which have aimed to uplift the poor and marginalised. Modi further noted the government's efforts in developing five key places associated with Ambedkar, including resolving land issues at Chaitya Bhoomi and acquiring his London residence.
Additionally, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju criticised the Congress party and some of its allies for disrupting House proceedings over the remarks made by Shah. Rijiju stated that the opposition had "twisted" a clip of Shah’s speech in the Rajya Sabha and made it "viral." He also claimed that the Congress had insulted Ambedkar during his lifetime and committed a "sin" by disrespecting him. He accused the Congress party of insulting Ambedkar by not awarding him the Bharat Ratna and defeating him twice in elections. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Rijiju claimed that the Congress party had defeated Ambedkar in the 1952 general election and a subsequent by-election in Vidarbha as part of a conspiracy.
Parliament was scheduled to resume at 2 p.m. but was adjourned promptly amid clashes between the opposition and the government.