Key Takeaways:
- Parliament Adjourned Indefinitely: The winter session of Parliament ended in chaos, with no work accomplished amidst intense political clashes.
- Opposition Protests Intensify: Leaders of the ‘India’ alliance protested Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks about Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, demanding his resignation and apology.
- Physical Altercations: Tensions escalated to physical confrontations, with allegations from both the BJP and Congress regarding pushing, shoving, and injuries to MPs.
- Babasaheb’s Legacy in Focus: Shah’s controversial statement triggered widespread criticism, reigniting debates about political parties’ treatment of Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions.
New Delhi: The winter session of Parliament concluded on a dramatic note as both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned indefinitely, with no legislative business conducted on the final day. Amid heated exchanges between the ruling BJP and the opposition, members of the ‘India’ alliance staged a vociferous protest against remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah referencing Dr. Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.
Protests at Vijay Chowk
Opposition leaders gathered at Vijay Chowk, near Parliament House, carrying placards featuring Babasaheb’s image and shouting slogans such as “Amit Shah resign” and “Amit Shah maafi maango” (Amit Shah, apologize).
Prominent leaders, including Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, MPs from the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), and other alliance constituents, joined the protest. The demonstration followed Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s directive barring protests at Parliament’s gates after a scuffle near the Makar Dwar on Thursday.
The Controversy: Amit Shah’s Remarks
The opposition’s outrage stems from Shah’s comment during a Rajya Sabha discussion on the “75 years of India’s Constitution,” where he allegedly trivialized Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy. Shah remarked, “Now it has become a fashion – Ambedkar, Ambedkar … If you take this many names of God, you would have attained heaven for seven lives.”
Opposition parties condemned the statement as disrespectful to Babasaheb’s contribution to India’s democracy. The Congress released a video clip of Shah’s speech to substantiate their claims, accusing him of belittling Ambedkar.
Escalation to Physical Confrontations
Thursday’s session saw unprecedented chaos, with BJP and Congress members clashing near the Parliament gates:
- BJP’s Allegations: The ruling party accused Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of pushing and shoving BJP MP Pratap Sarangi, causing injuries. BJP MP Mukesh Rajput also claimed he was hurt during the altercation.
- Congress’ Counterclaim: Congress alleged BJP MPs physically blocked their leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, from entering Parliament. They also accused BJP members of mishandling women MPs.
Political Accusations Fly
While the Congress and opposition parties labeled Shah’s remarks an insult to Dr. Ambedkar, the BJP countered by accusing the Congress of long-standing disrespect toward Babasaheb. BJP leaders argued that Congress consistently sidelined Ambedkar and thwarted his electoral aspirations during his lifetime.
Babasaheb’s Legacy at the Center
Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions to Indian democracy have long been a contentious topic between political parties. Shah’s remarks reignited debates over which party truly honors his legacy.
Winter Session in Retrospect
The winter session, instead of facilitating meaningful discussions, turned into a battleground of ideological and physical confrontations. The indefinite adjournment leaves key legislative agendas unaddressed, underscoring the deep divisions in Indian politics.
Looking Ahead
As political temperatures soar, both sides seem poised to continue the war of words outside Parliament. For the general public, the session’s disruption raises questions about the state of governance and the effectiveness of elected representatives in addressing pressing national issues.
The legacy of Dr. Ambedkar, however, remains a unifying symbol for equality and democracy one that transcends political divides.
