The Congress has intensified its efforts to keep the controversy surrounding Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Parliament alive. On Saturday, the party announced a yearlong campaign aimed at spreading a message of unity and social justice across India.
The campaign, titled ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Abhiyan,’ seeks to honor Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and the Indian Constitution. Congress communications chief Pawan Khera described these figures as the “pillars of justice, equality, and democracy,” claiming that they are under increasing attack by the current government.
Khera, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stated that the campaign commenced on Friday and will culminate on January 26, 2025, with a grand rally in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow), Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Dr. Ambedkar. The event will commemorate 75 years of India’s Constitution and Republic.
To further amplify its message, Congress has planned the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Rashtriya Padayatra,’ a nationwide march starting on January 26, 2025, and ending on January 26, 2026. This initiative will span towns and villages across the country, spreading a powerful message of unity and social justice.
“We reiterate our demand to sack Home Minister Amit Shah for his derogatory remarks against Dr. Ambedkar,” Khera stated, expressing the party’s unwavering stance.
The controversy stems from a speech Amit Shah delivered during the winter session of Parliament last year. In his address, Shah remarked in Hindi: “There is a fashion. Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar, Ambedkar. If they had taken God’s name so much, they could have gotten heaven for seven births. It’s a good thing.” These comments were met with sharp criticism from the opposition, marking a tumultuous end to the parliamentary session.
Leaders from across the political spectrum, including Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, have also voiced disapproval of Shah’s remarks. The Congress, along with other opposition parties, has demanded an apology and Shah’s resignation.
By launching this campaign, the Congress aims to safeguard Ambedkar’s legacy and principles, while countering what it perceives as attempts to undermine his contributions to justice, equality, and democracy. The party’s strategy includes mobilizing grassroots support and leveraging Ambedkar’s towering stature as a unifying figure in Indian politics.
The culmination of these efforts, the planned rally in Mhow, and the nationwide march are expected to highlight the party’s focus on social justice and its critique of the BJP government’s policies. As the political battle over Shah’s remarks continues, the Congress’s campaign seeks to resonate with citizens and reinforce its commitment to the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.