West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his recent remarks about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Rajya Sabha, calling them “derogatory” and indicative of the BJP’s “casteist and anti-Dalit mindset.” Banerjee’s remarks came in the wake of Shah’s statement, which she described as an insult to Ambedkar’s legacy and to millions who regard him as a source of inspiration.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Banerjee wrote, “The mask has fallen! As Parliament reflects on 75 glorious years of the Constitution, HM @AmitShah chose to TARNISH this occasion with DEROGATORY remarks against Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, that too in the temple of Democracy.” She further accused the BJP of harboring contempt for the Dalit community and attempting to undermine Ambedkar’s contributions.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) reiterated Banerjee’s stance, asserting that Shah’s comment was not a mere slip of the tongue but a deliberate act rooted in BJP’s ideology. The party demanded an unconditional apology from Shah, accusing the BJP of promoting “caste supremacy” and “social division.”
The INDIA bloc MPs also staged protests within the Parliament premises, pressing for an apology. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh shared a snippet of Shah’s controversial statement, where Shah remarked that repeatedly invoking Ambedkar’s name had become a “fashion” and suggested that taking God’s name with such frequency would secure one a place in heaven.
Banerjee stated, “Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is the Father of the Constitution. This outrageous remark is not only an outright attack on him but all members of the Drafting Committee, which symbolized India’s unity in diversity.”
She also warned of the potential damage the BJP could inflict if it achieved its ambition of winning 400 parliamentary seats, alleging that the party might attempt to “rewrite history” and diminish Ambedkar’s contributions.
BJP Faces Backlash
Banerjee’s remarks reflect the broader backlash Shah and the BJP have faced over his comments. Critics allege that such statements demonstrate a lack of respect for India’s foundational values and for Ambedkar’s enduring influence on the nation’s constitutional framework. The controversy has reignited debates over caste and representation in Indian politics, with opposition parties uniting to call out the BJP’s stance on these sensitive issues.
