Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Amid the uproar over his controversial remarks on Dr. BR Ambedkar during the introduction of the “One Nation One Election” Bill in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah dismissed the Congress’s demands for his resignation. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mr. Shah quipped that even if he resigns, it would not benefit the Congress.
“Mallikarjun Kharge is demanding my resignation,” Mr. Shah said. “If it makes him happy, I’ll do it. But let me tell you, the Congress is going to stay where it is for the next 15 years. My resignation won’t change their fortunes,” he added, taking a dig at the Opposition party.
The controversy erupted after Mr. Shah’s remarks during a parliamentary debate, where he said invoking Ambedkar’s name has become a “fashion.” The comment sparked outrage among the Opposition, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanding an apology and calling for his removal from the Cabinet.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Kharge said, “If PM Modi truly respects Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, he should sack Amit Shah by midnight. Otherwise, the people will protest. They are ready to sacrifice their lives for Ambedkar’s legacy.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended Mr. Shah in a series of tweets, accusing the Congress of spreading “malicious lies” and highlighting the party’s historical neglect of Ambedkar’s contributions.
During the debate, Mr. Shah had remarked, “It has become a fashion to say ‘Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar.’ If they took God’s name as often, they would secure a place in heaven.” The statement has since fueled heated debates in Parliament and beyond, with Opposition leaders accusing the BJP of disrespecting the architect of the Indian Constitution.
