In a heated Winter Session of Parliament, the Congress party is pushing for an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his recent comments regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The party's demand has intensified discussions in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, with leaders like Rahul Gandhi criticizing the remarks. These debates are expected to be pivotal, reflecting the current political climate and legislative priorities. Additionally, there is a meeting convened by the high-level committee including PM Modi and leaders from opposing parties to discuss the appointment of the NHRC Chairman.
Winter Session of Parliament: Congress Demands Apology from Amit Shah
The ongoing Winter Session of the Indian Parliament has been marked by heated debates over the recent remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.
Background
On November 19, 2022, Shah addressed a rally in Shirdi, Maharashtra, where he claimed that Dr. Ambedkar had praised the Hindu god Ram for his "good governance." However, many historians and scholars have questioned the accuracy of this claim, arguing that it is not supported by documentary evidence.
Current Developments
The Congress party has condemned Shah's remarks as "false and derogatory," and demanded an apology from the Home Minister. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has accused Shah of trying to "distort history" and "divide the nation."
The issue has led to disruptions in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, with Congress MPs staging protests and demanding an apology. The BJP has defended Shah's remarks, arguing that he was merely quoting from Dr. Ambedkar's writings.
High-Level Meeting
Amidst the ongoing controversy, a meeting was convened by a high-level committee including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders from opposing parties to discuss the appointment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman. The meeting was aimed at finding a consensus on a suitable candidate for the post.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: What were the specific remarks made by Amit Shah that sparked the controversy? A: Shah claimed that Dr. Ambedkar had praised the Hindu god Ram for his "good governance."
Q: Why has the Congress party demanded an apology from Shah? A: The Congress believes that Shah's remarks were false and distorted history, potentially creating divisions in the country.
Q: How has the BJP responded to the controversy? A: The BJP has defended Shah's remarks, arguing that he was quoting from Dr. Ambedkar's writings.
Q: What is the purpose of the high-level committee meeting on the NHRC Chairman appointment? A: The meeting aims to find a consensus on a suitable candidate for the post, which has been vacant for over two years.
Q: What is the significance of the Winter Session of Parliament? A: The Winter Session is one of three annual sessions of the Indian Parliament, where important legislative business is discussed and debated. The current session is particularly important as it comes ahead of the upcoming general elections in 2024.
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