The Congress party has demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for defending Union Home Minister Amit Shah's controversial remarks about Dr. Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Party leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tiwari accused the BJP of behaving in a fascist manner and expressed disappointment that no FIR has been filed in their complaint about the incident involving BJP and Congress MPs. Tiwari also highlighted the disrespectful and insulting tone of Amit Shah's speech, and Gogoi revealed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has requested an inquiry into the incident where he fell due to the actions of BJP MPs.
Ambedkar Controversy: Congress Demands Apology for Amit Shah's Remarks
Background:
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a prominent Indian jurist, reformer, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. His contributions to the Dalit (formerly known as Untouchables) community, the abolition of caste discrimination, and the drafting of the Indian Constitution have earned him widespread reverence.
Current Controversy:
On December 6, 2022, Union Home Minister Amit Shah made controversial remarks about Dr. Ambedkar during a speech in Gujarat. Shah claimed that Ambedkar was opposed to the reservation system for the backward classes, which has long been a pillar of Indian society.
These remarks sparked a fierce backlash from the Congress party, which accused Shah of distorting history and disrespecting the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar. Congress leaders demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who defended Shah's comments.
Congress's Response:
Congress leaders Gaurav Gogoi and Pramod Tiwari condemned Shah's remarks as "fascist" and expressed disappointment that no FIR had been filed in response to their complaint about the incident involving BJP and Congress MPs.
Tiwari highlighted the disrespectful and insulting tone of Shah's speech, while Gogoi revealed that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had requested an inquiry into the incident where he fell due to the actions of BJP MPs.
BJP's Defense:
Prime Minister Modi defended Shah's remarks, stating that Ambedkar had indeed expressed reservations about the reservation system. However, Modi emphasized that Ambedkar's views had evolved over time, and that he ultimately supported the system as a temporary measure to uplift marginalized communities.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What were Amit Shah's controversial remarks about Ambedkar?
Shah claimed that Ambedkar was opposed to the reservation system for backward classes, which has long been a pillar of Indian society.
2. Why did the Congress party demand an apology?
The Congress accused Shah of distorting history and disrespecting the legacy of Dr. Ambedkar.
3. What was the BJP's response to the controversy?
Prime Minister Modi defended Shah's remarks, stating that Ambedkar had indeed expressed reservations about the reservation system.
4. What is the significance of the reservation system in India?
The reservation system, also known as affirmative action, is a government policy that sets aside a certain percentage of positions in education and government jobs for members of historically disadvantaged communities, such as the Dalits.
5. What is the relationship between Dr. Ambedkar and the reservation system?
Dr. Ambedkar was instrumental in drafting the Indian Constitution, which includes provisions for the reservation system. However, his views on the system evolved over time, and he ultimately supported it as a temporary measure to uplift marginalized communities.
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